Thread by @IsErinThere

@VoteGloriaJ asking @RepChrisTodd why his bill, commonly referred to as an "anti-drag" bill, is necessary if there are already laws against obscenity are on the books. Pointing out that "go-go dancing" is included in language but pro-wrestling may not be included #TNleg23

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd @VoteGloriaJ saying there could be "unintended consequences" to the bill as it is written. Says she hasn't seen a child hurt by the things listed in this bill. Then a question by Rep. Scotty Hill about "vague" language in the bill. Refers to Miley Cyrus as "similar" #TNLeg23

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd Q was about the "vague" language of "or similar entertainers" in Todd's bill, but legal services says that phrase is already in code and that Todd's bill would further define "entertainer" in re: "adult-oriented" business

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd Todd clear that this would apply to all venues - public and private - if it is "harmful to minors"

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd Citizen comments now - first issue is subjectivity. "By whom" would something be considered harmful to minors is concern. #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd @WKRN Student at Tennessee Tech explaining how they would like to perform a play that would be illegal if Todd's bill passes. Said LGBT community has been "perfecting self love into an art form, and that art form is drag." #TNLeg23 @WKRN @THEChrisOB

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd @WKRN @THEChrisOB Now calls from witnesses saying TN's 13 anti-LGBTQ bills along with other states are part of a coordinated attack against trans people/LGBT community. "This is not just a bill about performance." #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd @WKRN @THEChrisOB Multiple comparisons to Nazi Germany so far this afternoon, which most of the witnesses say is not an exaggeration. References to Cookeville drag show protests, saying it was the face of fascism. "Stop trying to legislate my life out of existence." #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd @WKRN @THEChrisOB Now hearing from a business owner who says classifications in Todd's bill might put his liquor license in jeopardy. Has operated multiple businesses in Nashville for decades without a single citation. #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@VoteGloriaJ @RepChrisTodd @WKRN @THEChrisOB "I never want a young person to feel dehumanized by our government." - Steve Ramo, after reading an email sent to him from a friend when Todd's bill was introduced. #TNLeg23 @WKRN

No testimony in support of Todd's bill. Todd saying none of the witnesses was under oath or "bound to tell the truth." #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@WKRN Now getting definition of "harmful to minors" from Michelle Fogarty with Legal Services. Rep. Johnson says if this definition is already in code, why is Todd's bill necessary, asks if it's not duplicating legislation. #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@WKRN Todd is asked if any "unintentional" viewing would fall under terms of bill, to which Todd says "absolutely."
Rep. Paul Sherrell says testimony heard today made people "sick to your stomach" and thanked Todd for "sticking up for" children. #TNLeg23 @WKRN

@WKRN NEW (HB0009): Bill moves on to full Criminal Justice committee. #TNLeg23 @WKRN @THEChrisOB