COLUMBUS, The Ohio House Judiciary Committee heard a second round of testimony Wednesday on a bill that would restrict certain drag and gender-based performances to adult venues, drawing sharp disagreement from both supporters and opponents at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus.
House Bill 249, formally called the “Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” is sponsored by state Reps. Josh Williams, R-Oregon, and Angie King, R-Celina.
What the Bill Would Do
HB 249 would bar performers who present a gender identity different from their biological sex through clothing, makeup, or prosthetics from appearing in public spaces where minors may be present. Those performances would be limited to adult cabaret venues such as bars and nightclubs.
The bill sets escalating penalties. A violation involving a minor would be a first-degree misdemeanor. If the performance is deemed obscene, it would become a fifth-degree felony. If obscene material is performed in front of a child under 13, the charge rises to a fourth-degree felony.
The bill includes an exemption for theatrical, film, or artistic performances that are not considered obscene or harmful to minors. Rep. Williams said the bill targets obscene performances and would not apply to what he called appropriate drag. He said law enforcement would make obscenity determinations.
Nina West: “Drag Saved My Life”
Columbus performer Nina West, whose legal name is Andrew Levitt, testified against the bill. Levitt told lawmakers that drag provided him with personal support during difficult periods and said he worries the legislation could isolate young people who are looking for community.
“Drag is something that saved my life,” Levitt said.
Another opponent, Columbus performer Maelstrom West, whose legal name is Melody Wojno, also testified against the bill and had a tense exchange with Rep. Williams over the bill’s scope and language.
“I think we’re finally touching on the real target,” Wojno said. “This is a bill disguised as a drag ban that targets trans individuals.”
Supporters Argue Bill Protects Minors
Supporters said the bill is needed to protect children from exposure to explicit content. The Center for Christian Virtue, a Columbus-based organization, testified in favor. Policy executive director David Mahan referenced a 2023 case in Xenia in which a transgender woman was found not guilty of public indecency after using a women’s locker room. Mahan said the bill would help prevent similar outcomes. Mission America and Celina pastor Shawn Meyer also submitted supporting testimony. About 50 proponents provided written testimony, according to reports.
House Speaker Matt Huffman, who had previously questioned the bill’s constitutionality, has since said lawmakers have authority to regulate such conduct through legislation.
What Comes Next
HB 249 remains in the House Judiciary Committee. No vote has been scheduled. Additional hearings are expected.
Similar legislation has been introduced or passed in multiple states since 2023. Legal challenges in other states have focused on First Amendment concerns.
This article presents statements from both supporters and opponents of HB 249 without editorial comment. The bill remains under consideration and has not been voted on.
This article is based on testimony before the Ohio House Judiciary Committee and reporting from The Buckeye Flame.
Published: March 20, 2026 | ColumbusFrontline.com