Judge Temporarily Blocks Montana Law Restricting Drag Performances Just Days Before 30th Anniversary of Montana Pride Celebration

A federal judge in Montana has temporarily blocked a new law that restricts drag performances just days before the 30th anniversary celebration of Montana Pride in Helena. Judge Brian Morris ruled that the law, which seeks to ban minors from attending what it calls “sexually oriented” performances, and bans such performances in public places where minors might be present, would disproportionally harm not only drag performers, but any person who falls outside traditional gender and identity norms, including transgender people.

Constance Van Kley, a plaintiff’s attorney, argued that the law does not adequately define many of the terms used in the law, causing people to self-censor out of fear of prosecution. Judge Morris agreed, saying that the law was “overly broad” and could lead to “unconstitutional censorship.”

The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until the court can hear the case in full. The Montana Pride celebration is scheduled to take place from June 7-9 in Helena, and thousands of people are expected to attend.

The law was passed by the Montana legislature in April, and was set to take effect on July 1. It was met with criticism from civil rights groups, who argued that it was a violation of free speech and would lead to discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. The law was also opposed by the Montana Human Rights Network, which argued that it was “unconstitutional and unenforceable.”

The case will now go to trial, where the court will decide whether or not the law is constitutional. In the meantime, the temporary restraining order will remain in effect, allowing drag performances to take place at the Montana Pride celebration.