Federal judge blocks Texas law targeting drag performances

A federal judge has blocked Texas Senate Bill 12, a law intended to restrict public drag performances, ruling that the legislation violates the First Amendment’s free speech protections. U.S. District Judge David Hittner issued the ruling for a second time, describing the law as “unconstitutionally vague.”

Hittner noted that the law’s broad language could potentially penalize a wide range of activities beyond drag, including cheerleading, dancing, and live theater. He suggested that individuals who find such performances offensive have a simple remedy: “just don’t go.”

The law would have imposed significant penalties for violations, including fines of up to $10,000 for businesses and potential jail time for performers. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defended the measure, criticized the decision as “a profoundly flawed decision that endangers our children and is an affront to Texas values.” Opponents, including the ACLU of Texas, argued the law was explicitly designed to target LGBT performers.