4 ms·
At the risk of starting a flame war, many of the current bills have absurdly broad language which makes it a crime to simply be in public dressed differently th
by jofer 3y ago
At the risk of starting a flame war, many of the current bills have absurdly broad language which makes it a crime to simply be in public dressed differently than your gender assigned at birth (i.e. somewhere where a minor _might_ be present). It's hard to argue the legislation that's being proposed (and passed) at a state and local level isn't having the effect of making it difficult to simply exist as a trans person.
Yes, much of that legislation is probably unconstitutional, but there is still a very real possibility of local law enforcement arresting someone who's violating these laws by simply walking down the street or visiting relatives.
I don't doubt that some of the broad brush legislation is at odds with many conservative individual's beliefs and intents for it, but the legislation being proposed and passed at a local and state level is quite concerning. It's a bit hard _not_ to see it as an attack.
- DontchaKnowit 3y agocould you cite these bills? I am curious
- jofer 3y agohttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Senate_Bill_3 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Senate_Bill_3 is a good example.
- DontchaKnowit 3y agoJust gave it a once over - This is precisely what I was talking about - This is a bill which prohibits drag shows which appeal to a prurient interest from being open to all ages. How on earth is this "going after trans people". This is "Don't let kids into highly sexualized events - events which have lately allowed underage people to attend" This seem reasonable to me, and even if its not reasonable, it is hardly "going after trans people".
- jofer 3y agoThe issue is the way it's defined and the language in the law. What defines "drag"? As that legislation is currently written, it can be interpreted to be someone simply appearing in public. That aside, though, I don't see how banning things like drag queen storytime (which has happened locally here) are somehow a ban on sexualized events. How is that sexualized?
- DontchaKnowit 3y agohere is what the bill says : "'Adult cabaret performance' means a performance in a location other than an adult cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration (1) It is an offense for a person to engage in an adult cabaret performance: (A) On public property; or (B) In a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult." so this is not a ban on drag queen story hour: it is expressly a ban on sexual performances on public property or in front of minors. Now, if a drag queen story hour became sexualized, it could be criminal. With this language though, I seems to me that it would not criminalize a drag queen story hour where the participants were modestly dressed and did not do anything sexual in nature. This legislation does not allow the possibility of someone being arrested for just being trans in public - It is explicitly banning performances.
- jofer 3y agoThe issue is that "purient interests" and "performance" is really not something that's well defined. Walking down the street whistling a classic rock tune like "fat bottom girls"? Arguably fits that description. Also, a "performance" can simply be appearing in public without directly performing anything. This sort of vage language in laws gives a lot of leeway for very selective enforcement.
- DontchaKnowit 3y agoOkay so your issue is with the language of the law, not the intent.