Federal court strikes down Texas drag-show ban, upholding free speech

A federal judge struck down Texas Senate Bill 12, a 2023 law restricting drag shows, ruling it unconstitutional under the First Amendment and blocking enforcement by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Judge David Hittner said the law was overly broad and vague, potentially criminalizing ordinary performances, and advised critics who are offended to simply not attend. The law carried fines for venues and up to a year in jail for performers and had endured years of litigation.