Texas Judge Temporarily Blocks Drag Show Restrictions

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against Senate Bill 12 in Texas, which aimed to restrict "sexually oriented performances" and was criticized for targeting drag shows. The law, set to take effect on September 1, would have limited public drag performances and imposed fines on businesses and performers. The ACLU of Texas represented LGBTQ groups, businesses, and a performer in a lawsuit against state officials. The judge's ruling temporarily blocks the law, stating that it infringes on the First Amendment rights of performers and would have a chilling effect on free expression. Texas is one of six states that have passed similar restrictions, with some laws being blocked and ruled unconstitutional.