FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Republicans continue their pursuit in protecting children from so-called adult-oriented businesses and performances.

What You Need To Know

  • Senate Bill 147 regulates adult-oriented businesses cannot be located within a city block of parks, schools and churches 

  • An adult-oriented business is defined as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, or venue that predominately hosts performances involving sexual conduct 

  • The bill would allow for drag story hour and pride parades so long the performers are appropriately covered and the performance is not sexual 

  • Businesses operating before the effective date would not have to move even if their location does not conform to the new guidelines

Senate Bill 147 makes it unlawful for an “adult-oriented” business to be within a city block of places where a high number of children would be present, like a school, church, or library.

Any business that violates this law could be subject to suspension or revocation of their business and alcohol license or denial to renew a license of occupancy. House Republicans view this as placing limits on what children are exposed to.

“This is protecting minors. You have the right to do what you want, but we also have the right to protect our kids from what is obviously sexually explicit material,” said State Representative Rebecca Raymer, R-Morgantown.

An adult-oriented business is any establishment that sells pornographic movies and books or a business that predominantly hosts any performance involving sexual conduct. Including performances in which a performer’s dress is not aligned with their biological sex.

“How can we be for somebody dressing up like a lady or like a woman and reading books to our kids, what in the world are we thinking,” said State Representative Chris Fugate, R-Chavies.

The original bill was amended to take out drag specifically, however the definition of drag remains in the bill. Opponents believe this section specifically targets the LGBTQ community.

Former State Representative, now attorney, Bob Heleringer represents the Fairness Campaign; an advocacy organization focusing on preventing the discrimination of LGBTQ people.

“We want to make it as difficult as possible and legally impossible maybe to even have a drag show or to have a person who engages in that art speak to children who are there voluntarily with their parents in a library setting,” Heleringer said.

Bill sponsor, State Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield said drag queen story hours and pride parades would be permissible under the law so long as they’re not sexually explicit. The Attorney General and county attorneys may bring civil action against a business that they believe is violating the act.

Under the bill, businesses operating before the effective date can continue operating as an adult oriented business even if their location does not conform to the new guidelines.

The bill passed the House Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committee mostly along party lines. It now heads to the full House floor.

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