# Subtitle 54 – Theatrical Exhibitions

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 54-1 Obscene performances prohibited.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 54-1 (2026)

(a)

  (1)

    (i) Any performance is “obscene” if:

      (A) considered as a whole, its predominant appeal is to prurient, shameful, or morbid interest in nudity, sex, excretion, sadism, or masochism;

      (B) it goes substantially beyond customary limits of candor in describing or representing such matters; and

      (C) it is utterly without redeeming social value.

    (ii) Predominant appeal shall be judged with reference to ordinary adults unless it appears from the character of the circumstances of its dissemination to be designed for children or other specially susceptible audiences.

  (2) “Performance” means any play, dance, or other exhibition performed or displayed before an audience.

(b) Every person who shall within the City of Baltimore knowingly act, exhibit, show, or perform in, or cause to be acted, exhibited, shown, or performed, or be in any manner concerned in or permits to be conducted at any premises or place under his control, the acting, exhibition, showing, or performance of any obscene play, farce, opera, public exhibition, show, or entertainment or performance whatsoever or participate in any part of any such obscene play, farce, opera, public exhibition, show, entertainment, or performance whatsoever, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor subject to a penalty for each offense of a fine not over $100.

*History: Rev. Ords. 1858-037*

*History: Ord. 57-805*

*History: Ord. 69-443*

## § 54-2 Nets required for high acts.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 54-2 (2026)

(a) No agent, owner, or lessee of any house of public amusement, or any agent, owner, or lessee of any show, circus, or public exhibition of any kind whatsoever, shall suffer or permit any person whomsoever to do or perform those acts in which feats of strength and skill are exhibited by the performer from apparatus suspended at an extraordinary elevation above the stage, without first providing a network of such character and materials as in the event of any miscalculation on the part of the performer or performers, will be the means of saving him, her or them from accident or injury.

(b) Any agent, owner, or lessee of any house of public amusement, or any agent, owner, or lessee of any show, circus, or public exhibition of any kind whatsoever, offending against the provisions of this section shall forfeit and pay a fine of $50 for every time such offense may be committed in his, her, or their house or place of public amusement, to be recovered as other fines are recoverable.

*History: Ord. 1873-104*