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

Appeals Court Allows Texas to Enforce Drag Show Restrictions

On Thursday, an appeals court allowed Texas to enforce a law that restricts certain performances, including those involving sexual prosthetics. This decision overturned a previous ruling that had blocked the law.

Details of the Law

The law, known as S.B. 12, permits local governments to regulate “sexually oriented” performances when deemed necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare. Additionally, it prohibits children from being near such performances.

State Officials' Response

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the appellate ruling a “victory” in protecting children from “erotic” drag shows.
“I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances,” Paxton said.

He added that defending this law is an honor and expressed his commitment to continue defending it in lower courts.

Opposition from LGBTQIA+ Groups

Several drag and LGBTQIA+ organizations filed a lawsuit against Paxton, arguing the law is overly broad and vague. They claimed it violates First Amendment rights and specifically targets drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.

The groups described the law as “unconstitutionally singling out drag performances.”
Summary

The appeals court decision reinstates Texas’s ability to enforce S.B. 12, intensifying the legal battle surrounding regulation of drag shows and First Amendment rights.

Author’s summary: The appeals court's ruling permits Texas to enforce a law restricting drag shows, sparking ongoing debates about public safety and free speech protections.

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KMPH Fox 26 KMPH Fox 26 — 2025-11-07

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