Anti-trans, anti-drag bills advance in Kentucky Legislature – What’s next for the controversial legislation?

Two anti-LGBTQ bills are advancing through the Kentucky legislature, sparking protests and opposition.

Senate Bill 115, which would place restrictions on drag shows, was overhauled but still would allow for performers to be charged for performing “sexually explicit” shows in publicly owned places or any place where a child could be present. Advocates and opponents disagree on what constitutes explicit content. The new version of the bill is now headed to the full Senate for approval, after clearing the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee Thursday.

Meanwhile, House Bill 470, which would ban gender transition services for trans youth, has been retooled to limit medical services tied to gender transitions for minors, but still prohibits youths from legally changing their name or birth certificate if the change is tied to a gender transition. The House passed the bill by a 75-22 vote Thursday.  Two Republicans joined the “no” votes – Reps. Kimberly Poore Moser, R-Taylor Mill, and Stephanie Dietz, R-Edgewood, according to the Kentucky Lantern’s Sarah Ladd.

Photo: Protestors demonstrate against anti-LGBT legislation in Frankfort. (ACLU/Facebook)

This story was updated to reflect the result of Thursday’s House vote on HB 270.