Texas law banning drag shows where children may be present struck down again
Summary
A federal judge in Texas has again blocked a state law that banned drag shows where children might be present, ruling it violates free speech rights under the US Constitution. The law, which tries to limit "sexually oriented" performances in public or near children, cannot be enforced while legal challenges continue.Key Facts
- The Texas law, Senate Bill 12, passed in March 2023, banned drag performers from dancing suggestively or wearing certain costumes in front of minors.
- Judge David Hittner ruled the law unconstitutional, saying it restricts free speech protected by the First Amendment.
- The law’s wording was very broad and vague, potentially banning performances by many entertainers beyond drag shows.
- The Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, said he would appeal the judge’s ruling.
- Earlier, a federal appeals court allowed the law to be enforced temporarily, but this was reversed by the judge’s latest decision.
- Civil rights groups and drag performers welcomed the ruling, saying it protects free expression for all Texans.
- The judge suggested people who object to drag shows should simply avoid them instead of banning the performances.
- The judge referenced Dolly Parton’s style as an example of how the law’s definitions could wrongly label many artistic performances as inappropriate.
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