Texas Defends Ban on Sexual Performances for Minors Amid Court Ruling
A federal judge struck down Texas's 2023 law prohibiting sexual performances before children, prompting the state to appeal and reaffirm its commitment to the rule.
In 2023 Texas enacted Senate Bill 12, which forbids sexual performances—particularly men dressing as women and disrobing—in front of minors or on public venues. The legislation arose from concerns about drag shows attended by children and has been portrayed by some media as a blanket drag ban, a characterization the state disputes. Federal Judge David Hittner recently nullified the law, arguing it is unconstitutionally vague and infringes on free speech, even citing Dolly Parton as an example of the judge’s broad interpretation.
Texas officials, through Governor Greg Abbott’s spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris, emphasized the law’s purpose to shield children from explicit content and announced an immediate appeal. Attorney General Ken Paxton condemned the ruling as a dangerous affront to Texas values and pledged continued legal resistance. The outcome could influence similar statutes in Tennessee, Ohio, and other states that have faced activist challenges.
Why it matters
The case determines how far states can restrict sexual performances to protect minors without violating free-speech rights.
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