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Federal Judge Rules Texas Drag Show Ban Unconstitutional
The ruling blocks enforcement after the judge found the measure was too vague and broad to survive First Amendment review.
- 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.
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Dolly Parton cited in ruling that strikes down drag show ban — hours after she died
A federal judge in Texas struck down a 2023 state law restricting drag shows on Tuesday — and invoked Dolly Parton to illustrate why the ban was unconstitutional.U.S. District Judge David Hittner, a Ronald Reagan appointee, found that Texas Senate Bill 12 improperly restricted speech in violation of the First Amendment, reported NBC News, in a ruling that came down the same day the country music legend's death was announced.The ruling Tuesday bl…
·Washington, United States
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Judge again strikes down Texas drag show ban, cites Dolly Parton
A Reagan-appointed federal judge, for the second time, struck down a Texas law restricting drag performances, ruling that the statute is unconstitutionally vague and permanently blocking state Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing it.
·Washington, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources40
Leaning Left17Leaning Right8Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 32%
R 22%
Factuality
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