Judge strikes down Texas restrictions on drag shows

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a Texas ban on performances of a sexual theme on public property where minors might see them, declaring the ban unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner determined in his ruling that the law ran afoul of the First Amendment, saying that "a survey of court decisions related to the issue of drag shows reveals little divergence from the opinion that drag performances are expressive content that is afforded First Amendment protection," according to The Hill.

"Drag shows express a litany of emotions and purposes, from humor and pure entertainment to social commentary on gender roles," he insisted. 

Texas will likely appeal the decision.

Other conservative states, including Florida, Tennessee, and Montana, have attempted to restrict sexually themed performances to venues that do not permit children, though their efforts have met with comparable legal challenges.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.