§ 54-1. Obscene performances prohibited.

(a) Definitions.

(1) Obscene.

(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.

"Performance" means any play, dance, or other exhibition performed or displayed before an audience.

(b) Prohibited conduct; penalty.

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.