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Bill

SF 716

Drag performances as adult entertainment classification

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gene Dornink and 4 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill reclassifies drag performances as adult entertainment, subjecting them to licensing, zoning, and age-restriction regulations currently applied to adult cabaret venues.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#arts #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 716

Legislative bill overview

SF 716 classifies drag performances as adult entertainment, subjecting them to the same regulatory framework as adult cabaret establishments. The bill would require drag performances to comply with licensing, zoning, age restriction, and operational requirements currently applied to adult entertainment venues. This represents a categorical reclassification rather than an outright ban.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects where and how drag performances can occur in Minnesota, potentially restricting access and creating compliance burdens for performers and venues. It also intersects with broader debates about LGBTQ+ rights, free expression, and government regulation of performance art, as drag has cultural significance within LGBTQ+ communities while also being increasingly mainstream entertainment.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional precision: The bill's definition of "drag performance" is critical—overly broad definitions could capture non-sexual performance art, theatrical productions, or Halloween events, while narrow ones might be easily circumvented
  • Free speech implications: Opponents will likely argue that content-based regulation of expressive conduct raises First Amendment concerns; supporters counter that reasonable time-place-manner restrictions on adult entertainment are constitutionally permissible
  • Community impact disparity: The bill may disproportionately affect LGBTQ+-owned businesses and artistic communities versus other forms of adult entertainment, raising equal protection questions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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