A Republican Kentucky lawmaker wants to make performing in drag a crime. 

House Bill 360, filed Tuesday by Rep. Scott Sharp (R-Ashland), would create a series of criminal penalties for “adult performances” done in public or in places where minors could be present.

The bill specifies one such performance would be a “performance involving male or female impersonators who provide entertainment” that “predominantly appeals to prurient interest in sexual conduct; depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way; and taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.” 

Those found in violation would get a Class B misdemeanor for their first offense, a Class A misdemeanor for their second offense, and a Class D felony for their third and additional offenses. 

Declaring “the protection of children is of paramount importance to the citizens of this Commonwealth,” the bill comes with an emergency clause — meaning it would immediately go into effect if it becomes law. 

Sharp’s bill’s language mirrors previous failed attempts in the Kentucky legislature at restricting drag performances. GOP lawmakers tried to pass such legislation during the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, but did not file anything during the 2025 session. 

This story may be updated.