Texas Drag Ban Temporarily Halted by Federal Judge

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked a new law that expands the legal definition of illegal public performances of sexual conduct in front of children, a move that drag show artists fear would be used to shut them down or put them in jail. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that the law is likely unconstitutional and violates their First Amendment rights. The law is part of a broader effort in conservative states to crack down on drag shows and limit LGBTQ+ rights. Similar rulings against drag performance bans have been made in Florida and Tennessee. Critics argue that the law's broad definition could include other performances and forms of expression.