Talking Point: Arizona Senate Bill 1028, proposed by Arizona Republicans, to regulate and limit drag performances in the state, classifying such performances as “adult cabaret”, is advancing through the state legislature.
Article link to KTVK-TV 3/KPHO CBS 5 (“Arizona’s Family”) report on AZ SB1028: Heated debate over anti-drag bill banning performances from public places
This is the first in a possibility continuing series, spotlighting the GOP’s escalating non-stop attack on the LGBTQ+ community, primarily transgender individuals, as well as drag performers.
SB1028 is one of at least three Arizona Senate bills being proposed for the 2023 session, to effectively clamp down on what Republicans see as threats to children from the LGBTQ+ community, portraying us as “groomers.” (The others bring AZ SB1030 [proposing limits on where and when drag shows can occur in Arizona] and AZ SB1026 [restricting use of state funds by public entities for hosting “events targeted at minors”, such as Drag Story Hour readings at public libraries.])
But, let’s call them out for what they’re really calling for. Plain and simple, they are seeking the criminalization (or recriminalizaion) of over fifty years of progress. They’re looking for scapegoats, since the defeat of Donald Trump’s bid for a second Presidential term, and their failure to achieve their “Red Wave” across the United States. So, we’re their target. They want us erased, rounded up, legislated out of existence, and exterminated off the face of the Earth.
I regard the Republican party as just another band of extremists, effectively the “American Taliban.” They’re dinosaurs, spreading hate to younger generations, desperately trying to hold onto power and control. They either don’t understand us, or do not want to. We don’t fit in with their narrow-minded views of society and religion. They see us as a threat to passing their views down to the next generation, and so, under the guise and premise of “protecting children,” they’re doing all they can to push us back into the closet, into prison, or even worse.
The Arizona Republican State Senators proposing these latest attacks are Anthony Kern (Glendale) and John Kavanagh (Fountain Hills).
Senator Kern was employed by the city of El Mirage (Arizona) Police Department as a Code Enforcement Officer (a civilian, non-sworn/non-certified peace officer position), with his El Mirage PD employment terminated in 2014 after losing a city-owned tablet computer, and lying to his supervisor about failing to uphold his financial obligation to repay the city for the lost tablet. (https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/fired-for-lying-arizona-lawmaker-tried-to-weaken-police-disclosure-11230031)
Kern was placed on the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office “Brady List,” where records of law enforcement officials with a history of dishonesty and misconduct are maintained, as established by the United States Supreme Court’s 1963 Brady v. Maryland decision.
After his firing from El Mirage Police Department, Kern was elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives, serving in District 20 from 2015 to 2021. He lost a reelected bid in 2020, but was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 2022, serving in District 27. (Anthony Kern entry on Wikipedia )
While in office in 2019 for Arizona State House of Representatives, he worked behind the scenes on Arizona House Bill 2671, sponsored by Senator John Kavanagh, that would make it easier for law enforcement officers on the Brady List to get themselves removed from it, by means of appealing the decision. (Arizona lawmaker who was fired by police department for lying will keep leadership posts)
The bill was amended to remove the appeal process (which would have been to Kern’s benefit), with law enforcement agencies only required to give officers seven days notice before being placed on the Brady List.
Senator Kavanagh, who was a Detective Sergeant with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, prior to serving on the Arizona House of Representatives (District 8, 2007-2013, and District 23, 2019+January 2023), and the Arizona State Senate. (January 2023 onward), attempted to push an amendment to AZ SB 1432, criminalizing transgender individuals for using restrooms that match their gender identity. This was done in response to the City of Phoenix passing an ordinance banning LGBTQIA+ discrimination in early 2013. (Anti-trans Arizona lawmaker John Kavanagh targets bathrooms again, Arizona lawmaker wants to criminalize transgender people for using the bathroom)
On Thursday, February 2, the Arizona Senate Judiciary Committee advanced SB 1028 by a vote of 4-3, in spite of backlash from people who spoke out against the bill. Kern and Kavanagh, as well as AZ Senators Justine Wadsack and Wendy Rogers voted in favor, with AZ Democrat Senators Anna Hernandez, Christine Marsh, and Mitzi Epstein voting against.(4 Shocking Moments as Republican Lawmakers Rush to Criminalize Drag)
Newly elected Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has stated she will veto this bill. I, and others, are hoping she does the right thing. This latest on a series of attacks on LGBTQIA+ around the country needs to be stopped.