Appeals Court Permits Texas to Enforce Controversial Law
On Thursday, an appeals court upheld Texas' ability to enforce a law that restricts certain performances involving sexual prosthetics. The law, S.B. 12, enables local authorities to regulate "sexually oriented" shows to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Details of the Law and Court Ruling
The legislation prohibits children from being near these performances. The appeals court overturned a lower court’s decision that had blocked the law.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the ruling a "victory" for child protection against "erotic" drag shows. He stated, “I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances. 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 filed a lawsuit against Paxton, arguing that the law is excessively broad, vague, and infringes upon First Amendment rights. They claim the legislation unfairly targets drag shows as a disfavored form of expression.
The groups’ complaint reads that the law “unconstitutionally singles out drag performances as a disfavored form of expression.”
Legal and Social Implications
- The law empowers local governments to restrict performances considered sexually explicit to protect public welfare.
- It bans children from attending or being near such performances.
- The ruling signifies a judicial backing of state-level regulation aimed at certain forms of entertainment.
- The law faces ongoing legal challenges on constitutional grounds.
Author's summary: The appeals court's decision allows Texas to enforce a law restricting drag shows deemed sexually explicit, sparking ongoing debate over free speech and child protection.
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