Texas legislators addressed an important legislative priority last week when the state House of Representatives passed a bill that would restrict “overtly sexually suggestive” school cheerleading routines. H.B. 1476, which would also apply to drill teams and similar groups, would give the state education commissioner the power to require school districts to evaluate routines, and would compel districts to take “appropriate action” if an improper routine is detected.

“People are calling and telling me how disgusting it is to see sexually suggestive routines on the part of marching units or cheerleaders,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Al Edwards (D-Loontown). First, Al, I’d like to know what kind of sexually suggestive routines a marching band could engage in, and second, shut up.

The bill does not, of course, define “overtly sexually suggestive.” Edwards suggested, however, that “[a]ny adult that’s been involved with sex in their lives, they know it when they see it.” When pressed for examples, he noted that cheerleaders had reportedly been “shaking their behinds, breaking it down.” It could be broken down only in less suggestive ways, should the bill be passed by the Senate.

Several lawmakers reportedly waved pompons during the debate on the bill, which passed the House 85-55.

Update: the Senate appears to have wisely allowed this to die in committee.