Appeals Court Allows Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Drag Shows
An appeals court on Thursday permitted Texas to implement a law that limits certain performances, including those involving sexual prosthetics. The case centers around S.B. 12, a law enabling local governments to regulate "sexually oriented" performances to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Details of the Law and Court Decision
The law also prohibits children from attending or being near these performances. The appeals court overturned a lower court’s decision that had blocked the enforcement of this law.
Texas Attorney General's Statement
“I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances. 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.”
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, described the appellate ruling as a "victory" for protecting children from "erotic" drag shows.
Opposition from Drag and LGBTQIA+ Groups
Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations filed a lawsuit against Paxton, arguing the law is excessively broad, unclear, and violates First Amendment rights. They also claimed it unfairly targets drag performances as a form of expression.
“The law unconstitutionally singles out drag performances as a disfavored form of expression,” the groups stated in their complaint.
Summary
The appeals court's decision reaffirms Texas's ability to regulate performances deemed sexually oriented, sparking controversy over free speech and protection of children.
Author’s summary: The court ruling upholds Texas law limiting drag shows, emphasizing child protection while igniting debate on free expression within performance art.