Politics
Federal judge strikes down Texas law restricting drag shows
A federal judge ruled that Texas Senate Bill 12 violates the First Amendment, barring state officials from enforcing penalties on performers and businesses.
The short version
- U.S. District Judge David Hittner declared Texas Senate Bill 12 unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
- The 2023 law sought to impose fines up to $10,000 on venue owners and up to a year in jail for performers.
- The ruling blocks Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the law and denies a state motion for a new trial.
Key facts
- U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled that Texas Senate Bill 12 violates the First Amendment, barring Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the law.[NBC News]
- The struck-down statute imposed fines of up to $10,000 on businesses and Class A misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to a year in jail, on performers.[NBC News]
- Judge Hittner concluded the statute was overly broad and vague, noting it could unintentionally penalize common public events such as cheerleading, dancing, and live theater.[NBC News]
- The law briefly went back into effect after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals instructed Judge Hittner in November to re-examine the case, leading to his latest decision.[NBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It is unconfirmed whether the Texas Attorney General's office intends to appeal the decision to a higher court.[NBC News]