I'd have assumed they don't want bags brought in because they are probably filled with food and the theater makes $$$ selling extremely overpriced popcorn, pop, candy, etc.

You are certainly entitled to complain, but I'm surprised you'd want to take it in to begin with. I don't take a purse to the theater because I don't want to bother with it or set it on the sometimes skanky floor.

If I were the theater manager I'd respond by being more strict in banning bags. And I'd be having them searched.

Being discriminated for carrying a man-purse.

We have come a long way, baby.

:-)