Current:Home > MyACLU files lawsuit against drag show restrictions in Texas -WealthRoots Academy
ACLU files lawsuit against drag show restrictions in Texas
View
Date:2025-04-18 05:59:55
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! (299)
Related
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Ranking
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Recommendation
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?