Federal Judge Rules Texas Drag Show Ban Unconstitutional
Judge David Hittner said the law was too vague and broad, warning it could reach performances from ballet to impersonators and other protected expression.
- 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.
145 Articles
145 Articles
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 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.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Law Protecting Children from Sexualized Drag Shows.
A federal judge has ruled against a Texas law aimed at restricting certain drag performances in areas where children could be present.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge has struck down a Texas law restricting certain sexually oriented drag performances in locations where minors could be present. U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled that Senate Bill 12, passed in March 2023, was overly broad and could restrict constitutionally protect…
Texas’ limits on certain drag shows ruled unconstitutional again – WTOP News
Texas once again cannot enforce its restrictions on some public drag shows after a federal judge on Tuesday declared a 2023 law unconstitutional for the second time. U.S. District Judge David Hittner initially declared Senate Bill 12 unconstitutional in September 2023 only a few months after it was passed by the Texas Legislature, citing First...
The measure proposed before the U.S. Department of Labor affected foreigners with a work permit and H-2A visas.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
