KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Knox County commissioner is bringing back a proposal that could restrict funds for some venues, even after other commissioners shot it down last year as vague and said it would "enable manipulation." In September 2023, the resolution was tabled.
On Nov. 18, the commission is expected to again consider Rhonda Lee's resolution "expressing the commission's commitment to protecting the innocence of children." The new resolution's language shares much of the previous one, except for a new line that cites a ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that ended a lawsuit over the state's anti-drag law.
The ruling said, "There is no constitutional interest in exhibiting indecent material to minors." The definition of "indecent" has been the center of discussion across the state, as well as similar terms found in the law such as "appealing to the prurient interest."
Some lawmakers described public drag performances as being a part of the "prurient interest," and argued they should be restricted. In its ruling, the appeals court's decision found that a Memphis venue's drag shows did not implicitly represent possible harm to children, and so they could not sue against the state's anti-drag law — shooting down the lawsuit.
Lee's proposal does not specifically name drag shows and instead broadly suggests, that "the normalization of sexualized conduct and materials to children is not in the long-term interest of children or society. Wholesome, good, and honorable matter and conduct should be promoted to children instead." However, it does reference the lawsuit on drag shows and the state's law aimed at restricting them.
In September 2023, she also said her proposal would block funds for the Tennessee Theatre after it hosted a holiday drag performance.
Her latest proposal says funds that currently go to "harmful materials, activities, and institutions engaging, directly or indirectly, in the sexualization of children shall be reallocated to essential services." In September 2023, some commissioners said there were already laws against that and said no county funds went to the holiday drag performance.
