Appeals Court Allows Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Drag Shows
On Thursday, an appeals court permitted Texas to enforce a law that limits certain performances, including those involving sexual prosthetics. This law, known as S.B. 12, enables local governments to regulate “sexually oriented” performances to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Details of the Law and Court Ruling
- The law prohibits children from attending or being near these performances.
- The appellate court overturned a lower court’s ruling that had blocked the enforcement of S.B. 12.
Statements from Texas Attorney General
“I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. “It is an honor to have defended this law, ensuring that our state remains safe for families and children, and I look forward to continuing to vigorously defend it on remand before the district court.”
Paxton described the appellate decision as a “victory” in protecting children from “erotic” drag shows.
Opposition from Drag and LGBTQIA+ Organizations
Several drag and LGBTQIA+ groups filed lawsuits against Paxton, arguing that the law is overly broad, vague, and violates First Amendment rights by targeting drag performances unfairly.
The groups claimed the law “unconstitutionally singles out drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.”
They contend the law infringes on freedom of speech and expression.
Author’s Summary
The appeals court’s ruling upholds a Texas law restricting drag performances, sparking debate over child protection versus constitutional free expression.