Jester King Brewery, a well-known local hangout in Austin, has voiced its opposition to Texas Senate Bill 12, a proposed law that, if enacted, could make it possible for the state to punish businesses who conduct drag bingo events.
The brewery published a call to action on social media, urging members of the community to voice their opposition to the proposed legislation by getting in touch with their local elected representatives.
"Recently, we were put on notice, so to speak, by Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB12), which, if passed, would fine Jester King and other local businesses $10,000 per 'infraction' for hosting drag bingo," Jester King posted on Facebook March 30.
The brewery has stated that it would not waver in its dedication to maintaining an environment that is accepting and inclusive for all people, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. Jester King said that it will proceed with its monthly drag bingo events, even if SB12 is passed into law. These events take place on the last Friday of each month.
"Whether SB 12 stays or goes, Drag Bingo will be here to stay!" Jester King posted on Facebook.
SB12 would impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per infraction and limit "sexually oriented performances" on public property, at commercial enterprises or in the presence of a child, if it were to be passed and signed into law. The legislation refers to drag shows as "sexually oriented performances."
The measure gives local governments the authority to impose regulations on these acts in the interest of public health, safety or welfare, and it forbids them to take place on public property or in the sight of people younger than 18 years old.
A "sexually oriented performance" is defined in the text of the bill as a performance in which a male performer exhibits as a female (or vice versa) using dress, makeup or other similar physical identifiers, while acting in front of an audience and appealing to a "prurient interest in sex."
In accordance with the provisions of the bill, the performance would only be regarded as a "sexually oriented performance" if both of the prerequisites are satisfied. If this occurs, the performance may be in breach of the restrictions imposed by the bill.