Trump-Appointed Judge Deals Blow to Republicans' Drag Ban
Donald Trump dealt a blow to Tennessee Republicans' new law that would effectively ban public drag performances just hours before it was set to go into effect.Last month, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into a law legislation that would ban "adult cabaret entertainment" in public areas that can be viewed by minors, making it the first state to criminalize some drag performances.
The law applies to a wide array of performers including "go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators or similar entertainers," but has made headlines for its emphasis on drag queens.The law was passed amid conservatives' nationwide push for restrictions regarding LGBTQ+ rights, specifically for transgender individuals and drag queens.
Republicans argue these laws are necessary to protect children. Critics, however, call attention to the lack of data to back up concerns that drag queens pose a threat to children, viewing the legislation as unfairly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.However, Republicans' attempt to ban drag performances in Tennessee hit its latest roadblock on Friday, when Judge Thomas Parker temporarily halted the law, just hours before it was set to go into effect on Saturday.Parker, who serves as a judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, ruled against Republicans in a 15-page ruling.
He was appointed by Trump, who has voiced support for policies restricting LGBTQ+ rights in the past.Parker sided with a Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater organization Friends of George's that filed a lawsuit challenging the new law last week.
