Dear [Your Elected Official],

<p>I urge you to vote NO on HB884 and HB327 on Wednesday in the Judiciary Committee.</p> <p><strong>HB884</strong>: Drag performance is an artform with a long history. It is not inherently “adult-oriented entertainment.” It is a protected form expression under the First Amendment and state governments should not attempt to restrict the guarantees of the Bill of Rights. The Sixth Circuit and the Supreme Court did not rule on the constitutionality of Tennessee’s existing adult entertainment law from 2023. The courts said that the plaintiffs did not have standing. A federal judge has, however, blocked Florida’s drag law from going into effect for now. Another case in East Tennessee is ongoing.</p> <p>Increasing the number of venues that are classified as adult-oriented establishments creates burdens of restrictive regulation for more venues/businesses and it creates more burdens for city and county government with respect to enforcement. Mistakes at the local level will compromise the entire bill. This proposal is a risky, burdensome, and unnecessary intrusion into First Amendment rights.</p> <p><strong>HB327</strong>: Regardless of what any bill says, June is Pride month in Tennessee, across the United States, and around the world. In fact, the number of Pride celebrations has been growing in East, West, and Middle Tennessee. This is a rural, suburban, and urban phenomenon in our state. I urge you to attend an event this summer or fall to learn what it is about. </p> <p>Thank you for considering my views.</p>