Bill limiting drag shows sparks chants of ‘shame’ from foes

By BRUCE SCHREINER
Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers have advanced a bill aimed at putting limits on drag shows in Kentucky. The committee action on Thursday sparked chants of “shame” from opponents. They criticized the measure as discriminatory and said it would stifle First Amendment rights. The measure would prohibit drag shows on public property or in places where the adult performances could be viewed by children. Violations would be punishable as misdemeanors for the first two offenses but would rise to a felony for subsequent offenses. A state Senate committee advanced the bill after a discussion that turned emotional at times.