Federal Judge Rules Texas Drag Show Ban Unconstitutional
- On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner struck down Texas Senate Bill 12, a 2023 law banning "sexually oriented performances," ruling it an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.
- The decision blocks Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the law, which imposed civil fines up to $10,000 on businesses and misdemeanor charges on performers.
- Judge Hittner concluded that the statute's broad definitions were unconstitutionally vague and overbroad, potentially sweeping in non-obscene theater, sports matches, cheerleading, and cheer events.
- Addressing critics of drag, the judge noted that popular culture has long featured provocative elements and remarked that those offended should simply choose not to attend.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized the decision as profoundly flawed and announced plans to immediately appeal.
152 Articles
152 Articles
The Epoch Times
Judge Again Rules Texas Drag Performance Law Unconstitutional
A federal judge on Tuesday again barred a Texas law that restricts public drag performances, ruling for a second time that the measure violates the U.S. Constitution’s free-speech protections. U.S. District Judge David Hittner in Houston declared Texas Senate Bill 12 an unconstitutional restriction on speech. He permanently enjoined Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing it. “For those who find such activities as described in this case offen…
Federal Judge Strikes Down Texas Law Restricting Drag Performances in Presence of Minors
U.S. District Judge David Hittner on Tuesday ruled that Senate Bill 12, a Texas law restricting certain sexually oriented performances on public property or in the presence of minors, is unconstitutional, according to court documents. The ruling, issued August 25, 2026, marks the second time a federal judge has blocked the measure, which was passed in March 2023 [1]. The decision concluded that the law’s reference to performances appealing to a …
Federal judge rules Texas ban on drag shows is unconstitutional
Texas once again cannot enforce its restrictions on some public drag shows after a federal judge declared a 2023 law unconstitutional for the second time. “We use our performances to assert liberation, power, and joy with our community,” said Austin drag artist Brigitte Bandit.
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