Judge blocks Tennessee’s drag show ban before it takes effect.
federal judge temporarily blocked TennesseeThe first US law to impose tight restrictions on drugs was revealed hours before it took effect.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker has upheld a group that filed a lawsuit alleging that the law violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The decision came after Memphis-based Friends of Georges, LGBTQ+ The theater company filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and the state.
Parker issued a temporary restraining order after hearing both sides’ allegations on Thursday.
Parker wrote The state was unable to make a convincing argument as to why Tennessee needed the new law. The court also agreed that the statute was likely vague and overly broad, he added.
The word “drugs” did not appear in the new law, instead the Tennessee definition of adult cabaret was changed to mean “adult performances harmful to minors.”
A federal judge has blocked Tennessee’s first national law imposing severe restrictions on drag shows just hours before it took effect (file photo).
Kameron Michaels performed on stage at RuPaul’s Drag Race Welk the World Tour last August at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee (file photo).
U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker issued a temporary injunction after hearing both sides on Thursday.
Additionally, “male or female impersonation” is now classified as a form of adult cabaret that resembles strippers, topless, go-go, and exotic dancers.
The law prohibited adult cabaret performances on public property or anywhere minors might be present.
“The law bans drag performers in crop tops and mini skirts from dancing anywhere they might be seen by minors, but Tennessee Titans cheerleaders in the same outfits appear in front of children. does not forbid you from performing the exact same dance in the .
Parker also questioned the specifications of cabaret entertainment venue locations that minors may see, citing concerns consistent with the group’s claims that the law is overly broad.
“Do private residences of citizens count? How about campgrounds in national parks?” Parker wrote.
A judge issued a temporary injunction after a Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater company filed a federal lawsuit against Shelby County DA and Tennessee (file photo).
The complaint also details last year’s efforts to stop a drag show at a park in Jackson, west of Nashville, as part of the Pride Festival. A legal complaint led by Republican Rep. Chris Todd and Republican Senator Ed Jackson tried to block the show, forcing the organizers to reach a settlement to hold the event indoors, which is age-restricted. rice field.
“After abusing state court to violate Jackson Pride’s First Amendment rights, Rep. Todd makes it clearer that drug performance in front of children violates Tennessee law. I was asked to make a law,” the complaint alleges.
Referring to Todd’s actions in Friday’s decision, Parker said that given Tennessee’s current obscenity laws, the state attorney general’s office was unable to give a clear answer as to the purpose of the new law.
At Thursday’s hearing, Mulroy told a judge he did not contest the temporary restraining order.
“There has been a lot of concern and confusion about the law from the community,” Mulroy said in a statement.
The lawsuit found that the law violated the First Amendment, that the judge’s sentencing statute was vague and likely overbroad, and offered a compelling argument as to why a new law was needed. Claimed not (file photo)
Drag queens spend up to five hours getting their hair, makeup and outfits perfected before each show.
“This allows courts to clarify the scope, application, and constitutionality of the statute. It is important to understand the scope of this law so as not to adversely affect constitutionally protected speech.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond when asked for comment on Friday.
Tennessee’s drug law is the second major proposal targeting LGBTQ+ people, passed by the state legislature this year. Republican Governor Bill Lee signed pro-Republican legislation banning most gender-affirming care.
Lee has faced criticism for approving the drag show ban, especially since a 1977 photo of him as a senior in high school in women’s clothing surfaced.
Lee said it was “silly” to compare the two problems.
When asked about specific examples of inappropriate drag shows being performed in front of children, Lee did not name any, but said he was concerned about protecting children.
Drag queen Josh Hanson performing ‘Candy Caned’ prepares to perform ‘Queenz – The Show With Balls’ at the Blackpool Grand Theater as part of the show’s UK tour in Blackpool, North England so we head backstage (file photo)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11927083/Judge-blocks-Tennessee-drag-ban-HOURS-set-effect.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 Judge blocks Tennessee’s drag show ban before it takes effect.