Texas LGBTQ organizations and drag queens have taken legal action against a state law that bars “sexualized performances and drag shows in the presence of a minor.” This legislation, Senate Bill 12, was endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott in June.
The bill pertains to performances involving nudity and “the exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of sexual acts,” or performances that cater “to the prurient interest in sex … regardless of whether compensation for the performance is expected or received.”
Businesses and establishments found in violation of the law could face penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Entertainers who defy the law may face a Class A misdemeanor charge, leading to a potential one-year prison sentence and a $4,000 fine.
This law is scheduled to take effect on September 1.
A group of LGBTQ organizations, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has launched a lawsuit in an attempt to halt the implementation of the law.
The plaintiffs involved in this lawsuit are Woodlands Pride, Abilene Pride Alliance, Extragrams, 360 Queen Entertainment, and a drag performer known as “Brigitte Bandit.”
“Texas queens and kings from across our great state have been targets of threats and misinformation as a result of the anti-drag law,” Bandit stated. “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.”
The drag performer further commented, “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. State leaders should focus on legitimate issues, not political stunts. I dream of a state that’s better for us all, no matter who we are, how we live, or who we love. Long live Texas drag!”
The lawsuit contends that drag constitutes an art form and absurdly warns of potential, far-reaching unintended consequences, such as the prohibition of activities like cheerleading.
The initial hearing is scheduled for September 28, after the law has taken effect, in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas in Houston.
In a statement praising the legislature passing the bill in May, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said, “someone must push back against the radical left’s disgusting drag performances which harm Texas children.”
“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,” Patrick said. “It is shocking to me that any parent would allow their young child to be sexualized by drag shows. Children, who cannot make decisions on their own, must be protected from this scourge facing our state.”
Rep. Matt Shaheen, who sponsored the bill, expressed his agreement, saying, “We will not tolerate our children being exposed to explicit, hyper sexualized content from any type of performer in any way in the great state of Texas.”
Drag shows are not banned in the state of Texas. Children and minors are prohibited from attending drag shows. The fact that the LGBTQ organizations are suing to stop a law that prohibits CHILDREN from attending the overtly sexual adult performances should tell you everything you need to know about their motives.
