Montana cracked down on libraries that subject children to Drag Queen reading hours.
On Monday, May 22, Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Montana HB 359, which protects children from sexual shows, including so-called “drag queen story hours,” effective immediately.
“A school or library that receives any form of funding from the state may not allow a sexually oriented performance or drag story hour on its premises during regular operating hours or at any school-sanctioned extracurricular activity,” the bill states.
“A sexually oriented performance is prohibited: on public property in any location where the performance is in the presence of an individual under the age of 18; and in a location owned by an entity that receives any form of funding from the state,” the legislation adds.
The bill continues that those convicted of violating its measures will be fined, and if appropriate, suspended from their position.
The bill also gives power to the children subjected to such performances stating: “A minor who attends a performance … may bring an action against a person who knowingly promotes, conducts, or participates as a performer in the performance.” Parents will also enjoy the right to take action against those who target their children with sexual content: “The minor’s parent or legal guardian may bring an action in the name of the minor for an action commenced under this section.”
“The governor believes it’s wildly inappropriate for little kids, especially preschoolers and kids in elementary school, to be exposed to highly sexualized content,” a spokeswoman for Gianforte said.
In addition to HB 359, Montana also recently passed Senate Bill 99, protecting children from “any form of pressure to receive harmful, experimental puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones and to undergo irreversible, life-altering surgical procedures prior to attaining the age of majority.”
