Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee House of Representatives has adopted an amendment to the Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act, expanding protections for children from adult entertainment.
- The new amendment, House Bill 884, prohibits adult cabaret performances within 1,000 feet of schools, child care facilities, family recreation centers, public parks, and places of worship.
- The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd and Senator Joey Hensley and is set to go into effect on May 1, 2026, if passed by the Senate.
- The amendment aims to protect children from explicit entertainment and ensure that public spaces are family-friendly.
- The legislation has sparked debate and controversy, with some arguing that it violates constitutional free speech rights.
Introduction to the Legislation
The Tennessee House of Representatives has taken a significant step in expanding protections for children from adult entertainment. On January 13, the House adopted an amendment to the Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act, which was originally spearheaded by Rep. Chris Todd in 2023. The new amendment, House Bill 884, is sponsored by Todd and Senator Joey Hensley and aims to restrict adult cabaret performances in certain areas. According to Todd, the legislation is a common-sense step to protect children in Tennessee from inappropriate performances, whether at a strip club or a local civic center.
The Expansion of Restrictions
The current legislation prohibits the sale or provision of adult entertainment materials within 1,000 feet of private, public, or charter schools, child care facilities, family recreation centers, public parks, or places of worship. The new amendment expands these restrictions to apply to any establishment that hosts adult cabaret performances, mandating that they also abide by the 1,000-foot regulation. This means that venues like the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, which has hosted drag shows in the past, would be subject to these restrictions. Todd has stated that the legislation draws a clear line, emphasizing that one obscene performance is one too many and that public spaces should be family-friendly.
The Background and Controversy
The origin of the adult cabaret restrictions dates back to 2022, when a drag show organized by Jackson Pride was poised to be held in Conger Park. The event sparked pushback from local religious leaders and elected officials, including Todd and Senator Ed Jackson. The event was eventually moved to the Civic Center and was exclusive to those 18 and over. In 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition to hear the case of Friends of George’s v. Mulroy, which argued that the legislation violated constitutional free speech rights. The Supreme Court’s declination ultimately upheld the legislation’s constitutionality. Despite this, the legislation has continued to spark debate and controversy, with some arguing that it infringes upon freedom of speech and expression.
The Impact on the Community
The legislation has significant implications for the community, particularly for venues like the Carl Perkins Civic Center. When asked how the legislation could impact the Civic Center’s ability to host drag shows, Todd stated that residents across Madison County have expressed strong support for keeping explicit entertainment out of community gathering spots. The legislation, if passed by the Senate, will go into effect on May 1, 2026. While some argue that the legislation is necessary to protect children, others see it as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and freedom of expression. The debate surrounding the legislation highlights the complex and often contentious nature of issues related to freedom of speech, expression, and community values.
Conclusion and Future Implications
In conclusion, the Tennessee House of Representatives has taken a significant step in expanding protections for children from adult entertainment. The new amendment, House Bill 884, aims to restrict adult cabaret performances in certain areas and ensure that public spaces are family-friendly. While the legislation has sparked debate and controversy, it is clear that the issue of protecting children from explicit entertainment is a complex and multifaceted one. As the legislation moves forward, it will be important to consider the potential implications for the community, including the impact on venues like the Carl Perkins Civic Center and the LGBTQ+ community. Ultimately, the outcome of this legislation will depend on the Senate’s decision, and it remains to be seen how the community will be affected by these new restrictions.
