A Republican state representative from Ohio is on a campaign to stop children doing drag.
Rep. Tim Schaffer has introduced a controversial new bill that would make drag illegal for “a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally or physically handicapped child under twenty-one years of age.”
If the bill is passed, parents of children found to be performing in drag could face up to six months imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
Schaffer felt compelled to introduce the bill after watching 9-year-old drag queen Jacob Measley (AKA 'Miss Mae Hem') perform a drag routine at Toledo Pride, criticising Measley's parents as “a very bad example of parenting".
“Given our heightened focus on human trafficking and the role money plays in trafficking children, I knew I had to take action to make sure this activity does not occur again,” Schaffer said.
“We can do better to protect innocent children and we must do better.”
However, Measley's mum has come to the defence of her son's hobby, telling Toledo Blade that it's inspired by his love for reality TV series RuPaul's Drag Race.
“Jacob is just a guy who likes to dress up and dance and feel pretty,” Jeri Measley said.
“It’s kind of like Halloween every time he has the opportunity to do it.”
Schaffer’s bill reportedly has eight co-sponsors so far.
