Tennessee: Gov. wants to ban drag shows - and has to explain a school photo in women's clothing

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Demonstration against new bill in Nashville, Tenneessee

Photo: John Amis/AP

The state of Tennessee is governed conservatively.

At the top is Governor Bill Lee, who is currently having to listen to some questions about a planned law.

It is about a ban on drag performances that has already passed the state legislature.

Lee announced that he intends to sign the law very soon.

Then a photo appeared of him wearing women's clothes.

The picture is said to be from Lee's high school days, and is believed to have been taken in 1977.

It supposedly shows Lee in a cheerleading uniform, with a wig and a pearl necklace around his neck.

The school confirmed to the US broadcaster NBC that the picture is from the 1977 yearbook and "probably shows Bill Lee".

Critics are now asking whether drag "is only illegal among homosexual people."

Specifically, he was asked this question at a press conference on Monday.

The Republican refused a specific answer.

Instead, he repeatedly stressed that it was "ridiculous...this is tantamount to sexualized entertainment in front of children, which is a serious matter."

More than 100 laws are on the way

According to US media, the planned law would ban "adult cabaret performances" in public or in front of minors.

These "performances" include "topless dancing, go-go dancing, strippers, and male or female impersonation."

Violations would be counted as an administrative offense the first time and as a criminal offense the next time.

Critics see the law as vague enough to target trans people.

Lee's office described the photo as a "cheerful school tradition" that should not be "confused" with the new law.

The comparison is "dishonest and disrespectful to families in Tennessee" - without explaining what exactly is meant by it.

Tennessee is far from unique.

Conservative states have introduced more than 100 bills affecting LGBTQ rights.

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