Ohio House Bill 249

Indecent Exposure Modernization Act
Ohio General Assembly
Long title To amend sections 2907.09, 2907.39, and 4301.25 of the Revised Code to enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act.
Citation
Territorial extent	Ohio
Considered by	Ohio House of Representatives
Introduced by	Angela King and Josh Williams [1]
Introduced	April 29, 2025
Summary
Restricts adult cabaret performances to adult-only locations and expands the scope of what is considered an adult cabaret performance.
Status: Pending

Ohio House Bill 249 (HB 249), also known as the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, is a proposed law in the US state of Ohio that would restrict cabaret to adult locations only and would consider any public performer expressing a gender identity differing from their biological sex as a cabaret performer. It is generally seen as a ban on public drag performances. ^{[2] [3]} It is identical to House Bill 245, a failed 2024 bill. ^{[1] [4]}

Provisions

House Bill 249 would restrict cabaret performers to only being allowed to perform in adult spaces. It includes a specific provision that considers public performers who express a gender identity differing from their biological sex as adult cabaret, which would include drag performers. ^[5] It defines allowed adult spaces which include nightclubs, certain restaurants, and other spaces which are restricted to adults. ^[6]

Besides performers expressing a different gender identity from their sex, the bill would similarly restrict strippers, go-go dancers, and topless dancers to adult spaces as well. ^[7] It would be considered a first-degree misdemeanor if such a performance took place with a minor present and a fourth-degree felony if it is an obscene performance with minors under thirteen years old present. ^{[8] [9]}

Reactions

Support

The main sponsors of the bill, Angela King and Josh Williams, as well as 42 other Republican members of the Ohio House of Representatives, all endorsed House Bill 249. ^[10]

Opposition

The ACLU of Ohio and Stonewall Columbus publicly opposed House Bill 249, considering it a broad attack on transgender and gender non-conforming people. ^{[11] [12]} The executive director of Equality Ohio referred to it as censorship. ^[13]

See also

• Drag panic
• LGBTQ rights in Ohio
• Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act

References

1. Henry, Megan (July 24, 2025). "A look at what LGBTQ bills Ohio lawmakers have introduced so far". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
2. Henry, Megan (May 12, 2025). "Ohio Republican lawmakers re-introduce drag ban bill". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
3. Taylor, Ashley (June 3, 2025). "Which Ohio bills could become laws in 2025?". WTOL 11. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
4. Fahmy, Natalie (June 5, 2025). "Proposed bill would restrict drag performances in Ohio". nbc4i. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
5. Perricone, Sophia (May 14, 2025). "New Ohio bill targets drag shows amid proposed indecent exposure law changes". WTOL 11. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
6. Rees, David (June 3, 2025). "Ohio bill would add stricter rules for drag queens". nbc4i. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
7. Comeriato, H.L. (May 29, 2025). "Ohio public drag ban has first legislative hearing". The Buckeye Flame. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
8. Schneck, Ken (May 2, 2025). "Ohio's Proposed Drag Ban is Back: Republicans Rebrand it the 'Indecent Exposure Modernization Act'". Cleveland Scene. The Buckeye Flame. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
9. BeMiller, Haley (June 5, 2025). "Anti-LGBTQ policies loom over Ohio Pride Month celebrations". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
10. Schneck, Ken (April 30, 2025). "Ohio's proposed drag ban is back; Republicans rebranded it". The Buckeye Flame. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
11. "Stop HB 249: Ohio's Drag Ban". ACLU of Ohio. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
12. Porteous, Densil (May 11, 2025). "A Clear Stand Against HB 249". Stonewall Columbus. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
13. Rees, David (May 1, 2025). "Ohio lawmakers revive Statehouse bill to restrict drag queen shows". nbc4i. Retrieved July 26, 2025.