Madonna slams Tennessee laws on drag shows, gender-affirming care: ‘Unfounded and pathetic’

Madonna is speaking out against newly passed laws in Tennessee that opponents say target the LGBTQ community.

In a press release issued Monday, Madonna sounded off on Tennessee’s new laws banning gender-affirming health care and “adult-oriented” entertainment – including “male and female impersonators” – from public property, as well as similar bills that have been introduced across the country.

“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane; it’s creating an unsafe environment,” Madonna said. “It makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color.”

Madonna also announced she’s adding a Nashville stop to her Celebration Tour, which kicks off in July. Drag queen and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Bob the Drag Queen, who serves as the tour’s special guest, will join her for the Dec. 22 concert.

“These so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to (mess) with a drag queen,” Madonna said. “Bob and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community.”

Maren Morris tells Tennessee ‘arrest me’ during showafter introducing her toddler to drag queens

Madonna slammed Tennessee laws targeting the LGBT community in a statement Monday. She also added a Nashville stop to her upcoming Celebration Tour.

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Tennessee drag show restrictions,ban on gender-affirming care for minors signed into law

Madonna isn’t the only music star taking a stand against Tennessee’s controversial drag show bill. Country singer Maren Morris denounced the legislation during a performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last week for “Love Rising,” an all-star benefit concert for LGBTQ causes.

“I introduced my son to some drag queens today. So Tennessee … arrest me,” Morris said. “He’s growing up here as a Nashvillian, and I just want to leave this world for him a little bit better than the one we’re in right now.”

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Madonna’s and Morris’ comments come at the heels of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s signature on a law restricting drag performances on public property, which was passed this month. Its language prohibits “adult-oriented” entertainment harmful to children, including by “male and female impersonators.”

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Contributing: Morgan Hines, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Madonna criticizes Tennessee laws targeting LGBT community

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