First Amendment

A Federal Judge Just Struck Down Texas' Anti-Drag Law, Again

A Texas law restricting “sexually oriented performances” was struck down after a federal judge said it could apply to everything from cheerleading to karaoke to performances by Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Miley Cyrus.

Reem Ibrahim | 8.26.2026 4:27 PM

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In a fitting send-off to Tim Curry, a federal judge has struck down a Texas law restricting drag shows.

On Tuesday, Judge David Hittner of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that a 2023 state law banning "sexually oriented performances" in the presence of minors violated the First Amendment.

Before the ruling, businesses found hosting an event in violation of this law would have faced a fine of up to $10,000. Performers could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor charge in Texas, which could result in a $4,000 fine, a year in jail, or both.

The district court ruled that the law's definitions are far too........

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