Current:Home > MySafeX Pro Exchange|ACLU files lawsuit against drag show restrictions in Texas -Wealth Evolution Experts
SafeX Pro Exchange|ACLU files lawsuit against drag show restrictions in Texas
Algosensey View
Date:2025-04-07 01:36:10
The SafeX Pro ExchangeACLU of Texas is representing local LGBTQ groups, businesses, and a drag performer in a lawsuit against the state officials who will enforce Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances," arguing that the law unconstitutionally violates the First and Fourteenth amendments.
The law doesn't specifically mention drag performances, but local politicians have made it clear that the law is intended on restricting drag performances in the state.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement that the bill would prohibit "sexualized performances and drag shows in the presence of a minor." The law is set to go into effect on Sept. 1.
The law restricts the "exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of male or female genitals in a lewd state" as well as "the exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics" which could restrict the use of cross-dressing in public performances, according to the bill. These performances would be restricted from public properties or in the presence of someone under the age of 18.
The ACLU of Texas said the state "has threatened the livelihood and free expression of many Texans." The plaintiffs say their performances and events have been impacted by the impending law, experiencing "financial loss of business, threats to their personal safety" and censorship.
The organization argues that the law could censor several types of performances -- including touring Broadway plays, theater performances, professional cheerleading routines and drag shows -- from public spaces or anywhere that someone under the age of 18 may be present.
Critics of the law argue that drag shows are being sensationalized and negatively portrayed for political points. Drag shows are "a creative outlet to those who have endured life's adversities, systematic oppression, and denial of our nation's inalienable rights," said Verniss McFarland III, founder and executive director of The Mahogany Project, an advocacy group for queer people of color.
"Texas queens and kings from across our great state have been targets of threats and misinformation as a result of the anti-drag law," said Brigitte Bandit, a drag artist, in a statement to ABC News.
MORE: Drag queens refuse to 'hide' amid anti-LGBTQ hate, threats and Colorado Springs shooting
She continued, "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. 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."
Drag shows have become the target of threats and criticism across the country, mostly in conservative-led states, including Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Montana and others.
Supporters of laws like the one in Texas believe drag shows are inappropriate for minors.
Lt. Gov. Patrick, in a May statement on the passage of the bill, added "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."
MORE: How Colorado Springs, with a history of hate, built LGBTQ safe spaces after the Club Q shooting
"We will not allow children to be sexualized nor preyed upon in Texas," tweeted state Sen. Bryan Hughes, a sponsor of the bill.
Named in the lawsuit are Interim Attorney General of Texas Angela Colmenero, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon, Taylor County District Attorney James Hicks, Travis County District Attorney Delia Garza, and Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzalez, who would be tasked with enforcing the restrictions.
ABC News did not immediately reach the defendants named in the lawsuit for comment.
veryGood! (8218)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Why Simone Biles Says Tokyo Olympics Performance Was a Trauma Response
- Do You Qualify for Spousal Social Security Benefits? 3 Things to Know Before Applying
- Justin Long Admits He S--t the Bed Next to Wife Kate Bosworth in TMI Confession
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Kourtney Kardashian Reveals When She’ll Stop Breastfeeding Baby Rocky
- Delay of Texas death row inmate’s execution has not been the norm for Supreme Court, experts say
- Climate change is making days longer, according to new research
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Stegosaurus sells for almost $45 million at Sotheby's auction, the most for any dinosaur fossil
Ranking
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Chicago Sky trade Marina Mabrey to Connecticut Sun for two players, draft picks
- Fireballers Mason Miller, Garrett Crochet face MLB trade rumors around first All-Star trip
- Hundreds gather to remember former fire chief fatally shot at Trump rally in Pennsylvania
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Powerball winning numbers for July 17 drawing: Jackpot at $75 million
- Prime Day Is Almost Over: You’re Running Out of Time To Get $167 Worth of Peter Thomas Roth for $52
- John Deere drops diversity initiatives, pledges to no longer join 'social or cultural awareness parades'
Recommendation
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Do You Qualify for Spousal Social Security Benefits? 3 Things to Know Before Applying
2024 RNC Day 3 fact check of the Republican National Convention
Almost 3.5 tons of hot dogs shipped to hotels and restaurants are recalled
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
Delay of Texas death row inmate’s execution has not been the norm for Supreme Court, experts say
Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu not in WNBA All-Star 3-point contest
Milwaukee man arrested blocks from RNC carried an AK-47 pistol, authorities say