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​STOP HB 245

SAY NO to Ohio's ban on drag shows and gender expression.
Stop the criminalization of transgender identities.
contact legislators
prepare testimony

HOUSE BILL 245


Summary of House Bill 245

​​​DESCRIPTION​
Defines "adult cabaret performance" as
performers or entertainers expressing a gender identity different than their gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup, prosthetics, or other markers;
Claims "adult cabaret performance" is harmful to juveniles or obscene;
Restricts "adult cabaret performance" to adult cabaret locations only

​TARGETS
Transgender, Gender-Diverse,
​Gender Non-Conforming Individuals and Community
​
PRIMARY SPONSOR(S)
Rep. Angela King & Rep. Josh Williams

​COMMITTEE
House Criminal Justice Committee

INTRODUCED 
July 17, 2023

 HEARINGS
Watch Hearings | Read Testimony

BILL
General Info | Bill Text | Analysis
Amendments

What does House Bill 245 do?

Bans drag shows and expressions of transgender, gender-diverse, and gender nonconforming identities
with clothing, makeup, prosthetics, and other physical markers.
Prohibits adult cabaret performances in locations other than adult cabarets

Defines "adult cabaret performance" as a performance that:
  • Is in a location other than an adult cabaret that is harmful to juveniles or obscene
  • Features topless dancers; go-go dancers; exotic dancers; strippers; performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performer's or entertainer's gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts, or other physical markers; or other similar performers or entertainers who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, regardless of whether or not the performance is for consideration.​

Penalties for Violations:
  • Obscene performances in the presence of minors under 13 will be a 4th degree felony
  • Obscene performances will be a 5th degree felony 
  • Performances in the presence of minors under 18 will be a 1st degree misdemeanor 
 

Testimony

**Do NOT submit testimony until the appropriate hearing is announced**

​​HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY

STEP 1:
PREPARE YOUR TESTIMONY

Read tips for preparing and submitting testimony HERE


STEP 2:
EMAIL TESTIMONY DOCUMENTS TO COMMITTEE
Email a PDF of your testimony & this completed Witness Slip to
[email protected]​

​ **IMPORTANT**
Do NOT send your testimony until the appropriate hearing is announced.
You must submit your testimony 24 hours ahead of the scheduled hearing.
Indicate in your email that you are submitting testimony and ask for a confirmation of receipt.
All testimony will be uploaded HERE



STEP 3:
ARRIVE EARLY FOR IN-PERSON TESTIMONY
Arrive at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled hearing 
There is convenient parking in the Statehouse Parking Garage


TIPS FOR PREPARING AND PRESENTING testimony
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