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Federal Judge Strikes Down Texas Law Restricting Drag Performances
Just the facts
U.S. District Judge David Hittner issued a ruling striking down Texas Senate Bill 12, which sought to ban drag performances on public property or in venues where individuals under 18 years of age are present. The federal court determined that the state statute imposes unconstitutional content-based restrictions on speech in violation of the First Amendment. The decision blocks Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the legislation, which was originally enacted by lawmakers in March 2023. Attorney General Paxton announced that the state will file an appeal with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge the district court injunction.
Why this is news
U.S. District Judge David Hittner issued a ruling striking down Texas Senate Bill 12, a state statute that restricted drag performances on public property or in front of minors. The decision permanently blocks Texas state officials from enforcing the statutory restrictions.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.