Lima Reporter

State Representatives Angie King (R-Celina) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) presented legislation before the House Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday to update Ohio's obscenity laws and safeguard children and families from sexualized cabaret performances in public spaces. The proposed legislation aims to create the offense of unlawful adult cabaret performance and restrict such performances to licensed adult cabarets.

According to Williams, there has been a rise in sexualized performances occurring in public settings across the country, including Ohio. He believes these acts are inappropriate and obscene, especially when children are present. While Ohio already has laws in place regarding cabaret performances and the responsibility of business owners to keep children out of these establishments, there is currently no law prohibiting performers from bringing these acts to the public. Williams hopes to change that.

The legislation also outlines penalties for violations, ranging from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony based on the circumstances of the offense. Representative King emphasizes that the inspiration for this bill came from her own community, and she is dedicated to protecting children. She wants Ohio's families to feel safe bringing their children to public spaces without worrying about them being exposed to adult performances or items.

House Bill 245 will now undergo further hearings in the House Criminal Justice Committee as it progresses through the legislative process.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/angela-n-king/news/cabaret-performances-legislation-has-first-hearing-in-house-committee-117608