Bryan Hughes DF 1 1280x853 1 — Photo: The Texan

The Texas Senate has approved two bills aimed at preventing children from being exposed to sexualized performances and events like “Drag Queen Story Hour.” Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineloa) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 12, which would punish sexually oriented performances on public property, commercial premises, or in the presence of a child as Class A misdemeanors. During the Senate floor debate, lawmakers raised questions about what constitutes sexually oriented performances and whether “twerking” and pop star Miley Cyrus’s performances would fall under the definition. Hughes consistently replied that performances appealing to the prurient interest and involving a child would be restricted.

The bill passed 21 to 10, and the following day, senators continued to question what would constitute a man or woman dressing as the opposite sex. The bill gained final passage by a vote of 20 to 11. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick commended the Senate on social media, saying he will not allow Texas children to be sexualized by harmful drag performances.

The Senate also passed SB 1601, which aims to ban “Drag Queen Story Hour” by restricting public funds from municipal libraries hosting such events. Eckhardt questioned Hughes about what would constitute a “drag performance,” with Hughes asserting that the bill would apply if the performance involved dressing as the opposite gender. The bill passed on its final vote by 19 to 10 with two abstentions.