Bill Banning Obscene Adult Performances in Public Goes to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, successfully secured final passage of a bill that bans obscene adult performances on public property or anywhere children may be present. 

On Thursday, the full Senate passed House Bill 1217, prohibiting individuals from performing sexually explicit or obscene acts in public places or areas where minors are present. It also prevents political subdivisions of the state from authorizing or hosting such performances on public property or in spaces that are open to children.

Violators of HB 1217 could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.

State law defines obscene material as any representation, performance, depiction or description of sexual conduct that the average person would find patently offensive.

“This bill is about protecting children and ensuring that our public spaces remain safe and family-friendly for all,” Bullard said. “There is no justification for exposing children to obscene, sexual performances, and it defies logic that some cities allow such offensive acts in public places. These inappropriate and obscene performances have no place in our society.”

Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, is the bill’s House author.

“There is simply no rationale for why those who choose to indulge in adult entertainment that is obscene should be free to do so in spaces where children might be present,” West said. “Our children and the general public should be free to enjoy public spaces without this threat to their moral decency.”

The Senate approved HB 1217 by a vote of 39 to 8, sending the measure to the governor for final consideration.

The Legislature passed the bill with an emergency clause, which allows HB 1217 to take effect as soon as it’s signed by the governor.

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For more information, contact: Sen. David Bullard at (405) 521-5586 or David.Bullard@oksenate.gov or Rep. Kevin West at (405) 557-7343 or Kevin.West@okhouse.gov.