Appeals Court Permits Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Drag Shows
An appeals court on Thursday allowed Texas to implement a law that restricts certain performances, including those by individuals using sexual prosthetics.
Details of the Law
The court overturned a lower court ruling against S.B. 12, a law enabling local governments to regulate “sexually oriented” performances to protect “public health, safety, or welfare.” The law also prohibits children from attending or being near these performances.
Statements from Texas Officials
“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” for child protection against “erotic” drag shows.
Opposition from Drag and LGBTQIA+ Groups
Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations filed a lawsuit against Paxton over the law. They argued it was excessively broad, vague, and violated First Amendment rights. According to their complaint, the law "unconstitutionally singles out drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.”
Summary: The recent appellate ruling supports Texas in enforcing a law aimed at restricting certain drag performances to protect children, despite legal challenges citing constitutional concerns.
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