A federal judge in Tennessee has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a ban on public drag show performances. The law, signed by Governor Bill Lee earlier this month, aimed to limit "adult cabaret performances" on public property in order to protect children from exposure to sexual themes and imagery.
The plaintiff, Memphis-based theater company Friends of George’s, claimed that the law violated the First Amendment by attempting to restrict or chill protected speech and expression based on its content. They argued that the law was not a limited restriction but amounted to an outright ban.
The judge agreed with these arguments and granted a temporary injunction just hours before the law was set to take effect. The decision is seen as a victory for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights who had criticized Governor Lee for approving such legislation.
This is not the first time that Tennessee lawmakers have targeted LGBTQ+ people this year. Another proposal seeking to discriminate against transgender students failed earlier this year after facing backlash from businesses and advocates.
Despite criticism of his approval of the anti-drag show law, Governor Lee has defended it as necessary for protecting children's innocence. However, opponents argue that such laws only serve to stigmatize and marginalize already vulnerable communities.
As it stands now, there are no further updates regarding when or if similar measures will be proposed again in Tennessee.