Current:Home > FinanceACLU files lawsuit against drag show restrictions in Texas -Keystone Capital Education
ACLU files lawsuit against drag show restrictions in Texas
View
Date:2025-04-27 22:51:52
The ACLU of Texas is representing local LGBTQ groups, businesses, and a drag performer in a lawsuit against the state officials who will enforce Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances," arguing that the law unconstitutionally violates the First and Fourteenth amendments.
The law doesn't specifically mention drag performances, but local politicians have made it clear that the law is intended on restricting drag performances in the state.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement that the bill would prohibit "sexualized performances and drag shows in the presence of a minor." The law is set to go into effect on Sept. 1.
The law restricts the "exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of male or female genitals in a lewd state" as well as "the exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics" which could restrict the use of cross-dressing in public performances, according to the bill. These performances would be restricted from public properties or in the presence of someone under the age of 18.
The ACLU of Texas said the state "has threatened the livelihood and free expression of many Texans." The plaintiffs say their performances and events have been impacted by the impending law, experiencing "financial loss of business, threats to their personal safety" and censorship.
The organization argues that the law could censor several types of performances -- including touring Broadway plays, theater performances, professional cheerleading routines and drag shows -- from public spaces or anywhere that someone under the age of 18 may be present.
Critics of the law argue that drag shows are being sensationalized and negatively portrayed for political points. Drag shows are "a creative outlet to those who have endured life's adversities, systematic oppression, and denial of our nation's inalienable rights," said Verniss McFarland III, founder and executive director of The Mahogany Project, an advocacy group for queer people of color.
"Texas queens and kings from across our great state have been targets of threats and misinformation as a result of the anti-drag law," said Brigitte Bandit, a drag artist, in a statement to ABC News.
MORE: Drag queens refuse to 'hide' amid anti-LGBTQ hate, threats and Colorado Springs shooting
She continued, "We must reject their attempts to divide us and continue to come together in our truth and power to support each other as Texans should. Our community will not be used as a scapegoat or a distraction by politicians who do not know who we are or what we do."
Drag shows have become the target of threats and criticism across the country, mostly in conservative-led states, including Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Montana and others.
Supporters of laws like the one in Texas believe drag shows are inappropriate for minors.
Lt. Gov. Patrick, in a May statement on the passage of the bill, added "I named SB 12 to be one of my top priorities this session because someone must push back against the radical left's disgusting drag performances which harm Texas children."
MORE: How Colorado Springs, with a history of hate, built LGBTQ safe spaces after the Club Q shooting
"We will not allow children to be sexualized nor preyed upon in Texas," tweeted state Sen. Bryan Hughes, a sponsor of the bill.
Named in the lawsuit are Interim Attorney General of Texas Angela Colmenero, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon, Taylor County District Attorney James Hicks, Travis County District Attorney Delia Garza, and Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzalez, who would be tasked with enforcing the restrictions.
ABC News did not immediately reach the defendants named in the lawsuit for comment.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Amazon Gaming Week 2024 is Here: Shop Unreal Deals Up to 89% Off That Will Make Your Wallet Say, GG
- Kate Beckinsale Makes First Public Appearance Since Health Emergency
- A murderous romance or a frame job? Things to know about Boston’s Karen Read murder trial
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Black trainer Larry Demeritte brings his $11,000 horse to the Kentucky Derby
- IRS says its number of audits is about to surge. Here's who the agency is targeting.
- Dodgers hit stride during nine-game road trip, begin to live up to expectations
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Arkansas lawmakers approve $6.3 billion budget bill as session wraps up
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Biden to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 politicians, activists, athletes and more
- Alabama lawmakers approve legislation to ensure President Biden is on the November ballot
- Julia Fox gets real on 'OMG Fashun,' vaping, staying single post-Ye and loving her son
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- TikTok and Universal resolve feud, putting Taylor Swift, other artists back on video platform
- Barbra Streisand, Melissa McCarthy and the problem with asking about Ozempic, weight loss
- Mississippi Republicans revive bill to regulate transgender bathroom use in schools
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Tiger Woods receives special exemption to play in 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst
The Truth About Selling the OC's Alex Hall and Tyler Stanaland's Relationship Status
Facing development and decay, endangered US sites hope national honor can aid revival
Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
2024 Kentucky Derby: The history and legacy of the Kentucky Derby hat tradition
'SNL' announces season's final guests, including Sabrina Carpenter and Jake Gyllenhaal
Answering readers’ questions about the protest movement on US college campuses