Oklahoma Attorney General declares 'obscene' public drag performances illegal

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued an opinion on Wednesday declaring “obscene” drag show performances in the presence of children or in a public place illegal.

In a news release issued on Wednesday afternoon, Drummond, who is running for Governor of Oklahoma in 2026, says his office will issue guidance for law enforcement across the state, with the intention to prosecute violators.

In May, Oklahoma state lawmakers passed legislation to prohibit "obscene material" for minors. While the legislation did not specifically mention drag shows, Senate Democrats said the bill targeted drag shows. Governor Stitt signed the bill in May.

Oklahoma State Senator Julie Daniels requested Drummond's opinion on the bill, asking the Attorney General to answer:

1. Whether a performance by someone dressed in drag fits the definition of "onscreen material."
2. Whether a performance by someone dressed in drag fits the definition of "adult performance."
3. Whether the performance of someone dressed in drag in the view of a minor violates the law.
4. Whether the performance of someone dressed in drag is protected as free speech.

In Drummond's opinion, which you can read here, he stated: "The answer to all four questions depends upon whether the drag performance contains 'obscene material.”

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“I will be issuing important guidance to local law enforcement on this topic because I believe it is important they are fully equipped to protect our children from obscene drag performances,” Drummond said. “My office will prosecute anyone in violation of this law.”

Drummond says children should not be subjected to "patently obscene" adult performances.

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“Oklahoma law has changed to ban these types of performances in front of minors," Drummond said. "I have issued a binding opinion that describes clear red lines for when such a display goes from free speech to a punishable crime.”

Drummond’s Opinion notes that whether the drag show is considered obscene under the law is “fact-specific.”

“Whether a performance contains obscene material requires an analysis of the specific nature of the performance, its content, and its purpose, as well as consideration of the performance in light of relevant community standards,” Drummond's opinion says.

Oklahoma Obscenity Laws