A Missouri city considers obscenity law aimed at banning drag performances in public

The move is in response to a drag show held at a public park last month during the Rolla Pride Celebration. Council members said the performance was sexually explicit and targeted minors.
Rolla’s Pride Celebration on a Saturday in June brought more than 400 people downtown to take in food trucks, crafts and information booths, all while supporting the LGBTQ community.

But it was the four performers in a musical drag show in the Downtown Band Shell who have the Rolla City Council considering action to limit what can be included in public performances.

The council is weighing options for an obscenity ordinance, an issue that has divided the city with strong positions on both sides.