Skip to main content
institutional access

You are connecting from
Lake Geneva Public Library,
please login or register to take advantage of your institution's Ground News Plan.

Published loading...Updated

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.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

148 Articles

WPTZWPTZ
+25 Reposted by 25 other sources
Center

Federal judge again strikes down Texas drag show restrictions: 'Just don’t go’

"Just don't go." | A judge has again struck down laws targeting drag shows in Texas, adding that it was so open-ended it could affect other kinds of performances.

·Plattsburgh, United States
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 51% of the sources are Center
51% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

KDFW broke the news on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal