Federal Judge Cites Dolly Parton While Striking Down Texas Drag Ban

Dolly Parton probably wasn’t who Texas lawmakers had in mind when they set out to restrict drag performances. According to a federal judge, that’s part of the problem. On Tuesday, August 25th, US District Judge David Hittner permanently blocked Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing Senate Bill 12, ruling for a second time that the law violates the First Amendment. Explaining just how broadly its restrictions could be applied, Hittner cited everything from swimmers and cosplay to Elvis impersonators and Dolly Parton. And for anyone still offended by drag shows, he offered a solid and straightforward alternative: “just don’t go.” SB 12 was passed in 2023 and bars certain “sexually oriented performances” from public property and venues where minors are present. The final law never explicitly uses the word “drag,” though Greg Abbott publicly promoted it as a drag restriction and earlier versions did single out drag performances. Businesses can face fines of up to $10,000, while performers can face misdemeanor charges. Hittner first struck down the law in 2023, but an appeals court later revived it and sent the case back for another review. The restrictions took effect in March. Wi...