Appeals court allows Texas to enforce law seen as restrictive of drag shows

Appeals Court Permits Texas to Enforce Restrictive Law on Drag Shows

An appeals court on Thursday allowed Texas to enforce a law that restricts, among other things, performers using sexual prosthetics. The decision overturns a lower court's ruling that had blocked the law, known as S.B. 12.

Details of the Law and Court Ruling

S.B. 12 enables local governments to regulate “sexually oriented” performances if deemed necessary to promote public health, safety, or welfare. It also prohibits children from being near these performances.

“I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Paxton called the appellate decision a “victory” for protecting children from what he described as “erotic” drag shows. He added that defending the law is an honor and pledged to continue vigorously defending it in further court proceedings.

Opposition and Legal Challenges

Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations challenged the law, filing a lawsuit against Paxton. They argued that the law is “sweepingly overbroad and vague” and violates First Amendment rights. The plaintiffs also asserted that it unfairly targets drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.

“The law unconstitutionally singles out drag performances as a disfavored form of expression,” the groups stated in their complaint.

Summary

The appeals court ruling allows Texas to continue enforcing restrictions on drag shows, sparking ongoing debate over free expression and child protection.

Author's Summary

The court's decision to enforce Texas's restrictive law on drag shows reflects the contentious balance between protecting children and safeguarding freedom of expression.

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KMPH Fox 26 KMPH Fox 26 — 2025-11-07

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