Texas’ limits on certain drag shows ruled unconstitutional again

A federal judge in Texas has once again ruled that Senate Bill 12, a law restricting certain public drag shows, is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge David Hittner reaffirmed his previous decision, citing First Amendment violations and finding the law overly broad in its definitions of performance and nudity. The law, which had gone into effect in March after an appeals court initially unblocked it, is now paused again. The lawsuit was originally filed by LGBTQ+ rights activists and entertainment groups against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Hittner stated that the law's broad applications violate free speech protections, as it targets constitutionally protected performances based on content. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office would appeal the ruling.

A federal judge has again blocked a Texas law that banned drag performances where children might be present. US District Judge David Hittner ruled on Tuesday that the state cannot enforce Senate Bill 12, stating it violates the First Amendment by improperly restricting speech. The law, passed in March 2023, prohibited "sexually-oriented performances" in front of minors. Advocacy groups sued, arguing the ban infringed on constitutional rights. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had resumed enforcement earlier this year, called the decision "flawed" and plans to appeal. Judge Hittner found the law's terms too broad and vague, potentially impacting a wide range of performances.