Current:Home > FinanceJudge halts drag show restrictions from taking effect in Texas -EquityExchange
Judge halts drag show restrictions from taking effect in Texas
View
Date:2025-04-16 17:49:47
A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances” and has been criticized for limiting public drag performances in Texas.
The law was set to go into effect on Friday, Sept. 1.
The law doesn't specifically mention drag shows, but local politicians have made it clear the law is intended to restrict drag performances in the state.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement the bill would prohibit "sexualized performances and drag shows in the presence of a minor."
The ACLU of Texas represented local LGBTQ groups, businesses and a performer in a lawsuit against state officials who would enforce the restrictions.
"The Texas Drag Ban is stunningly broad in scope and will chill entire genres of free expression in our state," said Brian Klosterboer, attorney at the ACLU of Texas, in a statement.
He continued, "This law flies in the face of the First Amendment. No performer should ever be thrown in jail because the government disfavors their speech, and we are asking the Court to block this affront to every Texan’s constitutional rights."
MORE: Drag queens refuse to 'hide' amid anti-LGBTQ hate, threats and Colorado Springs shooting
Business owners and a drag queen testified before U.S. District Judge David Hittner earlier this week.
The law would restrict the "exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of male or female genitals in a lewd state" as well as "the exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics" which could restrict the use of cross-dressing in public performances, according to the bill.
These performances would be restricted from public properties or in the presence of someone under the age of 18.
This could impact touring Broadway plays, theater performances, professional cheerleading routines and drag shows.
MORE: Canada issues warning for LGBTQ travelers in the United States
Businesses could face a $10,000 fine for hosting such a performance, according to the law. Performers could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of $4,000.
Texas is one of six states that have passed restrictions on drag performances, including Tennessee, Montana, Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota. Several of these policies have been blocked due to federal court orders.
The law in Tennessee, which was the first state to restrict drag performances in public, was blocked and ruled unconstitutional.
veryGood! (26374)
Related
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Letters offer a rare look at the thoughts of The Dexter Killer: It's what it is and I'm what I am.
- Médicos y defensores denuncian un aumento de la desinformación sobre el aborto
- Push to Burn Wood for Fuel Threatens Climate Goals, Scientists Warn
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Hendra virus rarely spills from animals to us. Climate change makes it a bigger threat
- Protesters Call for a Halt to Three Massachusetts Pipeline Projects
- Baltimore Sues 26 Fossil Fuels Companies Over Climate Change
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- How a cup of coffee from a gym owner changed a homeless man's life
Ranking
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- White House: Raising Coal Royalties a Boon for Taxpayers, and for the Climate
- In Georgia, Kemp and Abrams underscore why governors matter
- Jenna Ortega Is Joining Beetlejuice 2—and the Movie Is Coming Out Sooner Than You Think
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Earn big bucks? Here's how much you might save by moving to Miami.
- Killer Proteins: The Science Of Prions
- Who is Walt Nauta — and why was the Trump aide also indicted in the documents case?
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
Grubhub driver is accused of stealing customer's kitten
Parents pushed to their limits over rising child care costs, limited access to care
Could this cheaper, more climate-friendly perennial rice transform farming?
Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
Doctors and advocates tackle a spike of abortion misinformation – in Spanish
Apply for ICN’s Environmental Reporting Training for Southeast Journalists. It’s Free!
Want to get better at being thankful? Here are some tips