Branson Advances Ordinance Restricting Drag Shows

A new ordinance advanced in the City of Branson aimed at restricting where drag shows can be performed.

The ordinance would not allow drag shows to be performed at all within 600 feet of a church, school, or park, and the windows of the venue would have to be covered or blacked out to obstruct the view of passersby.

The ordinance was opened to public comment before being moved forward, with many noting that Branson is a family friendly destination, and concerns were raised that allowing drag shows at all could potentially stain that reputation. Others in favor of drag shows asked the city to “get over their fear” of the shows, and noted that Springfield would benefit from the increased drag show traffic if Branson further restricted them.