Bill to criminalize drag shows advances in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota House overwhelmingly approved a bill that would make it a crime to perform drag shows and cabaret performances in the presence of children or in public places. The House voted 79-13 Thursday to send the bill to the state Senate. A person who violates the law would be charged with a misdemeanor. Repeat violators would be subjected to felony charges. The bill’s supporters say it would protect the innocence of children. LGBTQ advocates said at a hearing earlier this week that the bill discriminates against drag performers and violates North Dakotans’ freedom of expression.