You have a reason to celebrate if you love drag shows and live in Tennessee. A federal judge has ruled that the state’s law that banned public drag shows where minors could be present was unconstitutional and violated the First Amendment right to free speech.
The judge who made this historic decision was Thomas Parker,
appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2018. This shows that even a
conservative judge can recognize the value and importance of drag as a form of
artistic expression and cultural diversity.
Drag performers and their supporters have been fighting against this law since it was passed by the Republican-controlled legislature and signed by Governor Bill Lee earlier this year. The law claimed to protect minors from exposure to “sexually explicit” performances, but it was really a thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and suppress their creativity and identity.
The law was challenged by Friends of George’s, a Memphis-based nonprofit that produces drag performances and comedy sketches. They argued that the law was vague and overbroad and targeted them based on their content and viewpoint. They also said that the law would harm their business and their community.
Judge Parker agreed with them and issued a 70-page ruling that struck down the law as an “unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech.” He also said the law was “unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad” and encouraged “discriminatory enforcement.” He barred the district attorney of Shelby County from enforcing the law in that county.
This ruling is a huge victory for drag artists and LGBTQ+ rights in Tennessee and nationwide. It sends a clear message that drag is not harmful but a celebration of diversity, creativity, and joy. It also shows that no matter who appoints them, judges have a duty to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all Americans.
We applaud Judge Parker for his courage and wisdom and congratulate Friends of George’s for their successful lawsuit. We hope this ruling will inspire more people to support drag shows and appreciate the talent and beauty of drag performers. Drag is not a crime; it’s an art form. And we are here for it!