08/29/2026
U.S. District Judge David Hittner strikes down a 2023 state law in Texas that sought to restrict drag shows, saying the measure improperly restricted speech, and violated the First Amendment of the Constitution.
The ruling prevents state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the Senate, from enforcing the law and denies his motion for a new trial.
The state law would fine business owners who were found to be in violation up to $10,000 for hosting events, while performers could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in up to one year of jail time.
In the ruling, Hittner also had advice for those who found drag shows "offensive," saying "the solution is relatively simple ... just don’t go,” he wrote.
Read more: nbcnews.to/4gySZT4
