Transgender activists ignored rules dictating public testimony during a recent Texas Senate committee hearing, with one person physically blocking the sergeant-at-arms from intervening.

Hundreds of people signed up to speak at the March 23 State Affairs Committee hearing regarding a bill that would ban minors from attending drag shows, with those in opposition to the bill greatly outnumbering those in support.

Filed by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), the chair of the State Affairs Committee, Senate Bill 12 reads, “A person who controls the premises of a commercial enterprise may not allow a sexually oriented performance to be presented on the premises in the presence of an individual younger than 18 years of age.”

Hughes’ bill would set a penalty of up to $10,000 for businesses that allow such performances in front of minors.

Hughes explained the rationale behind the bill, noting, “A recent cultural trend has been for drag shows to be performed in venues generally accessible to the public, including children. These shows often contain sexually explicit performances and music.”

To address this trend, “S.B. 12 amends current law relating to restricting certain sexually oriented performances on public property, on the premises of a commercial enterprise, or in the presence of a child, authorizes a civil penalty, and creates a criminal offense.”

After several hours of testimony, things became heated when a biological male who identified as transgender refused to stop speaking despite going over time.

Loren Perkins spoke out against SB 12, another bill filed by Hughes designated SB 1601 (which would prohibit public libraries that host drag performers from receiving state funding), and “any future anti-trans, -queer, or any other LGBTQIA legislation that comes before this body.”

Perkins accused the legislators of “hiding your bigotry behind children like cowards.”

“In reality, it should be obvious that I am deserving of the same rights and privileges afforded everyone else,” the speaker added.

Perkins claimed that the legislation bore resemblance to policies enacted by the Nazi Party in Germany during the 1930s under the leadership of Adolph Hitler.

Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney) indicated that Perkins had gone over time after the latter had spoken for two minutes. Perkins continued to speak over her.

When the sergeant-at-arms attempted to remove the microphone from Perkins, another person there to speak on SB 12 stood up and physically blocked him.

When the microphone was finally turned off, Perkins continued to yell at the committee before Sen. Paxton said, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is the interest and desire of this chamber, of this body, to speak to one another with respect.”

“You are welcome to share your thoughts, your ideas, but you’ve just taken time from other witnesses who want to speak,” she said before proceeding with other witnesses. Police appeared to escort the activist who blocked the sergeant-at-arms out of the chamber.

Some celebrated Perkins and the other activist, with one social media user saying, “i loved your testimony brought me and my team to tears.”

Perkins responded, “thank you! it was a surreal moment and i’m glad it’s bringing attention to what is happening in texas.”

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke critically of the episode, saying, “We will not tolerate unruly behavior in the Texas Senate from witnesses.”

“Last night a witness’s testimony ran over their allotted time, and the Sergeant at Arms was physically blocked from removing their mic; this is unacceptable and will not be permitted,” he concluded.