Two controversial Tennessee bills have passed
Bills will criminalize public cabaret/drag performances, gender-altering surgeries for minors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Two Tennessee bills concerning minors passed on Thursday. House Bill 01 and House Bill 09 both sparked a lot of controversy.
Tennessee House Bill 01 will make it a crime for healthcare providers to perform gender altering services to minors. In addition, Tennessee House Bill 09 will criminalize public cabaret performances.
Tennessee House Bill 01 / Senate Bill 01
The bill prohibits medical procedures that would permit a person under 18 to identify as a gender that does not align with the reproductive system they were born with.
It prohibits procedures meant to treat distress caused by a person’s chosen identity not matching their sex.
House Bill 01 states that prohibited medical procedures include surgery. It additionally prohibits healthcare providers from prescribing, administering, or dispensing a drug or device.
However, the bill does have some exceptions. Some include procedures for congenital defects, diseases or physical injuries.
Read more about House Bill 01 here.
Tennessee House Bill 09 / Senate Bill 03
This bill prohibits adult cabaret performances that can be witnessed by minors. Minors are individuals under 18.
House Bill 09 defines cabaret performances as including any of the following.
- Topless dancers
- Go-go dancers
- Exotic dancers
- Strippers
- Male/Female impersonators providing sexual entertainment
- Any similar entertainers.
It states that these performances are harmful to minors.
The bill deems entertainment as “harmful to minors” when featuring nudity, sexual conduct or excessive violence.
The first violation of this law will result in a Class-A misdemeanor. Any additional violations will result in a Class-E felony.
Read more about House Bill 09 here.
