Bills restricting drag shows get first hearing, with one advancing

Both bills were a reaction to a 'kid friendly' drag show held last year at SDSU

Reps. Chris Karr, front, and Scott Odenbach, background, testified in favor of bills to restrict drag shows on Feb. 13, 2023. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

PIERRE – A bill that would have added drag shows to events that minors are prohibited from attending, which include pornographic films and shows, failed to advance in a South Dakota House committee on Monday.

But a separate bill that bars the use of state resources to host events with lewd or lascivious content did advance, despite opposition from public school representatives who feared it might bleed into events including plays, debate and school dances.

Both bills were in response to a drag show that a student group hosted at South Dakota State University last year. Rep. Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, said he saw an invitation to the event, which requested people bring cash to tip the performers – men dressed as women.

“As a proud SDSU alumni, I thought it was a joke,” he said.

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