Judge blocks Texas drag ban again, citing First Amendment overreach

A federal judge in Houston blocked Texas SB 12 again, ruling the 2023 drag-ban law violates the First Amendment by restricting speech and being vague about what counts as “prurient” or “sexually oriented” performances, potentially criminalizing ordinary acts like cheerleading or live theater. The decision prevents Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the law, despite prior appellate moves, and comes as Paxton vows to appeal; civil-liberties groups welcomed the ruling, which the judge illustrated by noting how broad terms could even affect performances by major artists, referencing Dolly Parton.