Key takeaways:
- US District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker issued an order delaying enforcement of the law for at least 14 days
- Judge Parker noted that the statute is likely both vague and overly-broad
- The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Parker will remain in effect until April 15
A federal judge in Tennessee has temporarily blocked a law that would have placed strict limits on drag shows in the state. The law, signed by Republican Governor Bill Lee earlier this month, sought to limit “adult cabaret performances” on public property so as to shield them from the view of children.
US District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker issued an order delaying enforcement of the measure for at least 14 days as he considers whether the ban is unconstitutional. The decision came after Memphis-based Friends of George’s, an LGBTQ+ theater company, filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and the state of Tennessee.
In his order, Judge Parker wrote that the state has so far failed to provide a “compelling government interest” for why it should regulate drag performances so severely. He also noted that the statute is likely both vague and overly-broad.
The law was set to go into effect on April 1, and would have prohibited drag performances in front of minors. It was met with criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and allies, who argued that it was an attempt to limit the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Parker will remain in effect until April 15, when the court will hear arguments from both sides. In the meantime, drag performances in Tennessee will be allowed to continue.
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