A proposed law that will prohibit minors from attending drag shows is hanging in the balance as it is yet to receive a subcommittee hearing.
Senate File 348 was sponsored by Republican State Sen. Sandy Salmon.
The bill provides no minor shall be present or view a drag show at a place of business. An adult who knowingly brings a minor to a drag show will be guilty of a simple misdemeanor under the law. A place of business allowing a child to attend a drag show will be fined $10,000 per minor for each violation of the bill.
An owner, manager or person exercising direct control over a place of business who allows a minor present will be guilty of a serious misdemeanor.
No state agency or public entity receiving state gunds will be allowed to use such funds to host a drag show.
A parent or legal guardian of a child may institute a civil action for damages in the amount of no less than $10,000 and up to $50,000 for each violation.
The bill is in the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by Republican State Sen. Brad Zaun. Republican Senators Jason Schultz and Lynn Evans are assigned to the subcommittee along with Democrat Herman Quirmbach.
Protect My Innocence has registered in support of the bill.
Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force (Iowa Safe Schools), Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund, One Iowa and Planned Parenthood are all registered against the bill.
Those who wish to see this bill advance should contact Sen. Zaun at [email protected] as well as the subcommittee members at [email protected] and [email protected].
