Federal Judge Strikes Down Tennessee Drag Ban as Unconstitutional

A federal judge has ruled that a Tennessee law limiting drag shows in public or in places where children could be present is unconstitutional, as it infringes upon the First Amendment right of drag performers. The law was passed in March and criminalized "adult cabaret entertainment" in public or in the presence of minors. The ruling comes amid a conservative push to limit LGBTQ+ rights, particularly trans rights, with at least 26 bills introduced nationwide this year. Friends of George's, an LGBTQ+ theater group, sued over the law, claiming it violated First Amendment rights.