Ohio HB 249 “drag ban” bill draws LGBTQ+ concerns

On 2026-04-16, the Ohio House of Representatives' HB 249 drew public attention as lawmakers discussed the proposed Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, which would create an offense for certain 'adult cabaret performances.' Rep. Josh Williams, one of the bill's sponsors, defended the proposal as protecting children, while critics said it would target transgender and gender-nonconforming people.