Actors’ Equity Association has filed an amicus brief in the Western District of Tennessee opposing the state’s law intended to limit drag shows. Equity argues that the court should grant a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent the ban from taking effect. Kate Shindle, President of Actors’ Equity Association stated, "News flash to the Tennessee legislature: drag performance is not inherently 'prurient'. Have they ever heard of Shakespeare? The Ancient Greeks? Live theatre has always had male actors (in drag!) playing female roles & vice versa. This law is not just an unconstitutional attack on drag performances & the LGBTQ+ community; it is an attack on the live arts & free expression. It is also quite clearly part of a much broader campaign in which Republican legislators use transgender/non-conforming human beings as political footballs, which is as cynical as it gets, but at least perhaps a metaphor they will understand. Our members want to work in Tennessee, but they want to feel safe in their workplaces. This should not be an impossible choice. Tennessee’s billion-dollar arts & culture sector is being put at risk by these endless hateful attacks & this unconstitutional law should never be allowed to go into effect.” According to Americans for the Arts the nonprofit arts & culture sector, Tennessee is a $1.17 billion industry that supports 38,482 full-time equivalent jobs & generates $135.9 million in local & state government revenue. The industry generates another $700 million in additional spending by audiences, economic activity that pumps critical money into local Tennessee businesses.
No comments:
Post a Comment