A federal judge on Tuesday declared a Texas law targeting drag shows unconstitutional, siding with LGBTQ Pride event organizers and performers who sued and...
. At a hearing in federal court earlier in August, drag performers and LGBTQ rights activists testified that the bill would restrict freedom of expression and hinder their ability to make art and a living.The plaintiffs include the organizers of LGBTQ Pride events in Abilene and The Woodlands, as well as Austin-based drag queen Brigitte Bandit, who often impersonated Dolly Parton.
The attorney general argued both that the drag performances are not protected under the First Amendment and that the law is “content neutral” as it does not target such shows. Hittner disagreed. In his decision Tuesday, the judge ruled that while “drag” is not mentioned in the law, the target on drag shows was explicit both during bill debate and after its passage. He also found that drag shows, and performers therein, do enjoy First Amendment protections.
He granted the permanent injunction because the plaintiffs successfully argued that they would win their case if it went to trial.“My livelihood and community has seen enough hatred and harm from our elected officials. This decision is a much needed reminder that queer Texans belong and we deserve to be heard by our lawmakers,” Bandit said in a press release.Similar drag laws in other states have also been struck down for being too vague and violating performers rights..
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