Appeals Court Allows Texas to Enforce Restrictive Drag Show Law
An appeals court on Thursday permitted Texas to enforce a law that limits certain performers, including those using sexual prosthetics, in public shows.
Details of the Law and Court Ruling
The justices overturned a lower court’s decision against Senate Bill 12, which authorizes local governments to regulate sexually oriented performances to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The law also prohibits children from 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.”
Opposition and Legal Challenge
Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations filed a lawsuit against Paxton, arguing that the law is overly broad, vague, and violates First Amendment rights by unfairly targeting drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.
Summary
This appellate decision marks a significant step by Texas to restrict certain drag performances in public spaces, especially to protect children, despite ongoing legal disputes over constitutional rights.
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