Appeals Court Allows Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Drag Shows
An appellate court has ruled that Texas may enforce a law limiting certain types of performances, including those involving sexual prosthetics. The decision overturns a previous ruling that had blocked the measure known as S.B. 12.
Scope and Intent of the Law
The law authorizes local governments to regulate "sexually oriented" performances to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It also prohibits children from attending or being present near such performances.
Government Response
"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 safeguarding children from exposure to explicit drag shows.
Opposition from Advocacy Groups
Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations sued Paxton, arguing that the law is overly broad, vague, and infringes upon First Amendment rights. Their complaint stated that it “unconstitutionally singles out drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.”
Legal and Cultural Implications
The case highlights ongoing tensions between government regulatory efforts and free expression rights, particularly in the context of gender and performance art.
Author’s summary: Texas can now enforce S.B. 12, a law limiting drag-related performances, as courts continue to debate its impact on free speech and child protection.