Federal Judge Strikes Down Law Protecting Children from Sexualized Drag Shows.

❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge has struck down a Texas law restricting certain sexually oriented drag performances in locations where minors could be present. U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled that Senate Bill 12, passed in March 2023, was overly broad and could restrict constitutionally protected expression.

📺 DETAIL: The law prohibited certain sexually oriented performances on public property or in the presence of people under 18. Hittner argued that the law’s reference to performances appealing to a “prurient interest” was too broad and could encompass otherwise legal entertainment. He dubiously cited the late Dolly Parton as an example, saying aspects of her appearance and performances could potentially be characterized as erotic under an expansive interpretation of the statute. Hittner concluded that people offended by such performances could simply choose not to attend them, despite the fact that the law targeted sexualized drag acts in public settings. The law had previously been blocked by another federal judge before Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) appealed the decision. Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate, condemned the latest ruling as a threat to children and Texas values and said he would immediately appeal.

💬 KEY QUOTE: “Finally, for those who find such activities as described in this case offensive, the solution is relatively simple… just don’t go.” – Judge David Hittner

🎯 IMPACT: The ruling is a significant setback for Texas Republicans’ efforts to shield children from exposure to sexually oriented performances, and could limit similar legislation in other states if judges continue to claim such laws are overly broad.