Fox News reported last week that Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill that bans so-called “gender transition treatments for minors” and prohibits drag shows from being held in places where they can be seen by children.
The network noted that this did not go over well with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who slammed the legislation during a briefing.
“What sense does that make to go after drag shows?”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed Tennessee Governor’s ban on drag shows and gender-affirming care, saying “it’s part of a larger pattern.”
About the law: https://t.co/A8jJ6Hrhlk pic.twitter.com/sChEKzUSrg
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 3, 2023
“The American people are focused on so many issues,” Karine Jean-Pierre was quoted as saying to reporters last Friday.
“We just talked about economy, we just talked about inflation, we’re talking about safer communities and schools, and good healthcare – all of the things that you all ask me every day. And you all know that’s what the American people care about,” she continued.
“That’s what – even when they went to vote in November, those were the issues that mattered the most to them,” Jean-Pierre insisted.
Law builds on existing laws governing adult businesses
“But instead of doing anything to address those real issues that are impacting American people, right now you have a governor from Tennessee that has decided to go after drag shows.
“What sense does that make to go after drag shows?” the White House press secretary demanded. “How is that going to help people’s lives?”
According to Fox News, Tennessee’s legislation expands existing rules around “adult-oriented businesses” to include “male or female impersonators” who offer entertainment appealing “to a prurient interest.”
Conservatives have long complained that drag shows are being used as an opportunity to groom and indoctrinate children.
Last year, the Libs of TikTok Twitter account highlighted a drag show held at a Minnesota gay night club in which one of the participants expressed a desire “to give the kids an opportunity to see what drag queen/king life is like on a day to day basis.”
Children encouraged to perform on stage
A gay nightclub in Minnesota held a drag show for children earlier this month. One of the performers said in an interview “I want to give the kids an opportunity to see what drag queen/king life is like on a day to day basis.” https://t.co/dGfdsD7OHS pic.twitter.com/zLcYBgTt1O
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 31, 2022
The account also publicized a similar event at a bar in Dallas where children would be given the chance “to perform with the drag queens on stage.”
A bar in Dallas, Texas is advertising a drag show for children including the oppurtunity for some kids to perform with the drag queens on stage. This is the drag queen host. pic.twitter.com/L14WloK5ie
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 31, 2022