Ohio Bill Aims to Ban Drag Shows and Restrict Women's Clothing

Proposed 'Indecent Exposure Modernization Act' faces criticism for unconstitutional overreach

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:33am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a figure in a dress and heels repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in a bold color palette, conceptually representing the political battle over gender expression and personal freedom.The proposed 'Indecent Exposure Modernization Act' in Ohio aims to criminalize drag performances and restrict women's clothing choices, sparking concerns over free speech and gender expression.Columbus Today

The Ohio General Assembly is considering a bill that would ban drag performances and restrict the types of clothing women can wear in public, drawing criticism from legal experts who argue the proposed law violates constitutional protections for free speech and personal expression.

Why it matters

The bill represents an effort by some Ohio lawmakers to enforce a narrow view of gender norms and restrict forms of artistic and political expression that challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Legal scholars warn the legislation could unconstitutionally infringe on First Amendment rights.

The details

The 'Indecent Exposure Modernization Act' would prohibit 'drag performances' that 'exhibit a gender identity different from the performer's biological sex' if they are deemed 'harmful to minors.' The bill also expands the definition of public indecency to include women's clothing like sports bras, bikinis, and halter tops, potentially criminalizing common attire.

  • The bill recently passed the Ohio House and is currently pending in the state Senate.

The players

Dan Kobil

A professor of constitutional law at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, who wrote an op-ed criticizing the proposed legislation.

Ohio General Assembly

The state legislature that is considering the 'Indecent Exposure Modernization Act.'

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What they’re saying

“Drag performances, like other types of entertainment such as dance, theater, and film, are forms of artistic expression that is squarely protected by the U.S. Constitution.”

— Dan Kobil, Professor of Constitutional Law

“It is a basic precept of constitutional law that the government cannot dictate what viewpoints Americans are allowed to express surrounding gender or almost anything else.”

— Dan Kobil, Professor of Constitutional Law

What’s next

The bill must still pass the Ohio Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation represents an unconstitutional attempt by some Ohio lawmakers to enforce a narrow view of gender norms and restrict forms of artistic and political expression that challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.