The following statement was released by Charlotte Pride following the introduction of an anti-drag bill in the North Carolina General Assembly:

In addition to the slew of anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently being heard in committee, North Carolina lawmakers introduced a new bill this week that would effectively ban drag performances on public property or in the presence of anyone under the age of 18. Charlotte Pride is extremely disappointed in this bill and urges everyone to speak out against HB 673.

If this bill becomes law, the performance of drag in public spaces could lead to an A1 misdemeanor charge for the first offence. If drag is performed in front of anyone under the age of 18, that could lead to a Class 1 felony.

Drag is a beautiful form of artistic expression and has long been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community. This new bill is nothing more than one part of a larger, continued attack on our community and must not stand. It is the latest attempt to erase the LGBTQ+ community from public spaces in North Carolina and an attack on the fundamental right to free speech and self-expression.

We urge everyone to join us in taking a stand against this discriminatory legislation.