A Texas Republican lawmaker proposed a bill allowing everyday people to sue anybody who hosts or performs in drag where any child is in attendance. Critics say the measure will create a bounty-hunting culture that targets drag queens and transgender people. Houston-area state Rep. Steve Toth has filed HB 4378 where he seeks to define a cause of action for drag performances performed in the presence of a minor. According to the bill, “An individual who attends a drag performance as a minor may bring an action against a person who knowingly promotes, conducts, or participates as a performer in the drag performance that occurs before an audience that includes the minor.” A winning plaintiff can expect to be paid actual damages, attorney’s fees, and statutory damages of $5,000.
