BREAKING: Court enjoins enactment of SB 12
Bridgitte Bandit (photo via Instagram) A federal judge in the Southern District of Texas today (Thursday Aug. 30) granted a temporary restraining order blocking SB 12, the “drag ban law,” from taking effect tomorrow (Friday, Sept.
1) while the court deliberates on a permanent injunction. SB 12 bans any performance that could be perceived as “sexual” when a minor is present and on public property, and the law proposes criminal penalties, including up to a year in jail, for artists, business owners and others accused of violating it.
Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and Baker Botts LLP filed the lawsuit earlier this month on behalf of plaintiffs The Woodlands Pride, Abilene Pride Alliance, Extragrams LLC, 360 Queen Entertainment LLC and drag performer Brigitte Bandit.
The Woodlands Pride lawsuit is one of two lawsuits filed so far challenging SB 12. Texas Civil Rights Project has filed suit on behalf of a theater company called VORTEX Repertory Company, several Texas LGBT Chambers of Commerce — including the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber — and individual performers.
