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

Appeals Court Allows Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Drag Shows

An appeals court on Thursday permitted Texas to enforce a law regulating performers, specifically those using sexual prosthetics. The ruling overturned a lower court decision that had blocked the law, known as S.B. 12.

Details of the Law

The law empowers local governments to control "sexually oriented" performances when necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare. It also prohibits children from being near such events.

Official Statement

"I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. "It is an honor to have defended this law, ensuring that our state remains safe for families and children, and I look forward to continuing to vigorously defend it on remand before the district court."

Opposition to the Law

Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations sued Paxton, arguing the law is overly broad, vague, and infringes on First Amendment rights. They claim it unfairly targets drag performances as an undesirable form of expression.

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

Summary

This decision marks a significant legal moment regarding the regulation of drag performances in Texas, highlighting the ongoing debate between child protection measures and freedom of expression.

Author's Summary

The appeals court ruling enables Texas to enforce a controversial law restricting drag shows deemed sexually explicit, intensifying debates over free speech and child safety.

KMPH Fox 26 — 2025-11-07