Update: Senate Bill 184 was killed in the Senate Education Committee on Feb. 13, 2024.
Senate Bill 184 would expand provisions regarding the protection of minors from certain exhibitions.
The ACLU of South Dakota opposes Senate Bill 184. If passed, Senate Bill 184 would criminalize drag shows, making them a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and $2,000.
This bill is clearly yet another attempt by state lawmakers to restrict free speech and expression in South Dakota. When we’re talking about adhering to the First Amendment in the context of art and entertainment, defending free speech means tolerating some works that others might find lewd, lascivious, or obscene.
Freedom of expression for ourselves requires freedom of expression for others, don't get it twisted. Drag is not a crime.
