Ohio Lawmakers Defend Anti-Drag Bill Amid Bikini Ban Fears

Critics claim the legislation could criminalize women's everyday attire, but lawmakers call it 'fear mongering'

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a lone woman in a sundress standing on a quiet city street corner, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The debate over Ohio's anti-drag bill exposes the complex balance between protecting children and preserving personal freedoms.Columbus Today

Ohio lawmakers are defending a new 'anti-drag' bill that aims to protect children from 'indecent exposure' at adult performances. Critics argue the broad wording of the bill could lead to the criminalization of women wearing common clothing like bikinis, sports bras, and going braless in public. However, the bill's sponsors dismiss these claims as 'fear mongering', insisting the legislation is solely focused on shielding kids from adult-oriented shows and imagery.

Why it matters

This bill is part of a growing trend of conservative-led legislation across the U.S. that seeks to restrict LGBTQ-related content and performances, especially those involving drag, from being accessible to minors. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between protecting children and potential overreach that could infringe on personal freedoms and women's rights.

The details

The 'Indecent Exposure Modernization Act', or HB 249, was recently passed by the Ohio House and aims to expand the legal definition of indecency. It would impose criminal penalties on public drag shows and strip clubs that permit children to attend. Critics argue the bill's wording is so broad that it could be used to arrest women for wearing common clothing like bikinis, sports bras, or going braless in public. However, the bill's sponsors, like State Rep. Angie King, reject these claims as 'fear mongering', insisting the legislation is solely focused on shielding kids from adult performances and imagery, not policing women's attire.

  • The Ohio House passed HB 249 last month.
  • The bill still needs to clear the state Senate and be signed by outgoing Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) to become law.

The players

Angie King

A Republican state representative and primary sponsor of HB 249.

Josh Williams

A Republican state representative who co-sponsored HB 249.

Dan Kobil

A constitutional law professor at Capital University Law School in Columbus who criticized the bill.

Mike DeWine

The outgoing Republican governor of Ohio who would need to sign HB 249 for it to become law.

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What they’re saying

“HB 249 is about shielding kids from adult performances & imagery —not policing whether women wear bras, bikinis, or T-shirts. Twisting it into 'women could be jailed for going braless' isn't just wrong—it's a deliberate misrepresentation.”

— Angie King, State Representative

“Under the act, women in Ohio would be at risk for arrest any time they wear a bikini swimsuit, halter top, or T-shirt without a bra.”

— Dan Kobil, Constitutional Law Professor

What’s next

The bill still needs to pass the state Senate and be signed by Ohio's governor before becoming law.

The takeaway

This debate over Ohio's anti-drag bill highlights the ongoing tensions between protecting children and potential government overreach that could infringe on personal freedoms and women's rights. While the bill's sponsors insist it is narrowly focused, critics argue the broad wording could lead to the criminalization of common women's attire, underscoring the need for careful legislative drafting to balance these competing interests.