Federal Judge Strikes Down Tennessee's Anti-Drag Law as Unconstitutional

A federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump has ruled that Tennessee's law limiting public drag show performances is unconstitutional and represents an "unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech." The law sought to limit "adult cabaret performances" on public property to shield children from viewing them, threatening violators with a misdemeanor and repeat offenders with a felony. The ban specifically included "male or female impersonators" who perform in a way that is "harmful to minors." LGBTQ advocates argue that not all drag shows are sexual in nature and laws such as the ones in Montana and Tennessee stigmatize the community and could violate the First Amendment.