Ohio House Passes Bill to Ban Public Drag Shows

COLUMBUS — The Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would prohibit drag performances on public property and at events where minors are present, marking the latest effort by state Republicans to restrict LGBTQ+ performances.

House Bill 245 passed along party lines with a 64-28 vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposing it. The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

The legislation defines drag performances as events where performers use clothing, makeup or other accessories to present a gender different from their biological sex. Under the proposed law, such performances would be banned on publicly owned property including parks, libraries and government buildings.

Performance Restrictions

The bill also prohibits drag shows at any venue where children under 18 are present, regardless of whether the property is public or private. Violations would result in misdemeanor charges for performers and venue operators.

Republican supporters argued the legislation protects children from inappropriate content. “This bill ensures that certain adult-oriented performances are not displayed where children can be exposed to them,” said Rep. Josh Williams, the bill’s sponsor.

Williams emphasized that the measure does not ban drag performances entirely, but rather restricts where they can occur. Private venues could still host drag shows provided they implement age verification systems to exclude minors.

Opposition Concerns

Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups criticized the bill as discriminatory and overly broad. They argued the legislation could impact theater productions, Halloween events and other performances involving gender expression.

“This bill is a dangerous overreach that targets the LGBTQ+ community and restricts artistic expression,” said Rep. Jessica Miranda during floor debate. “We should be protecting all Ohioans’ rights, not singling out specific groups for discrimination.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced plans to challenge the legislation in court if it becomes law. The organization called the bill unconstitutional and warned it could have unintended consequences for legitimate theatrical performances.

Statewide Context

Ohio joins several other states considering or passing similar legislation targeting drag performances. The bill comes amid broader Republican efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights in education, healthcare and public accommodations.

The legislation follows previous Ohio measures requiring parental consent for gender-related medical treatments for minors and restricting transgender students’ participation in school sports.

Democratic Gov. Mike DeWine has not indicated whether he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk. His office said the governor would review the final legislation before making a decision.

The Ohio Senate is expected to take up the measure in the coming weeks. Republicans hold a 26-7 majority in the upper chamber, suggesting the bill has strong chances of passage.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are mobilizing opposition efforts and encouraging supporters to contact their senators. Several Ohio cities, including Columbus and Cleveland, have passed resolutions opposing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.