CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia issued the following statement regarding passage of an ordinance in Jefferson County today.
“On the first day of Pride, Jefferson County commissioners voted 3 to 2 for an ordinance modeled on anti-drag legislation in Florida and Tennessee. Commissioners discussed the measure behind closed doors before the vote.
As written, the ordinance does not actually outlaw drag. But these laws are designed to create confusion and chill free speech.
Drag is a celebrated art form that is protected by the First Amendment. If this ordinance is used in any way to quell the rights of performers, we will not hesitate to take swift action.”