Politics 3 min read By Trevor Kendall
Federal Judge Cites Dolly Parton While Striking Down Texas Drag Ban
US District Judge David Hittner permanently blocked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing Senate Bill 12, a law restricting drag performances, citing Dolly Parton in his ruling.
A federal judge has permanently blocked Texas from enforcing its drag performance ban, citing Dolly Parton in the ruling as an example of how the law's vague language could sweep in mainstream entertainment. US District Judge David Hittner ruled Tuesday against Attorney General Ken Paxton, preventing him from enforcing Senate Bill 12, which sought to restrict drag shows in the state.
Judge Hittner's decision came as a victory for LGBTQ advocates and performance venues who argued the law was unconstitutional. The judge noted that Parton, the country music icon who died this week at age 80, was known for her glamorous wigs and sequined outfits, and that her style of performance could theoretically fall under the law's broad definition of drag. The ruling highlighted the difficulty of drawing a clear legal line between theatrical performance and drag, a central flaw the judge identified in the legislation.
Senate Bill 12 was passed by the Texas legislature and signed into law earlier this year, targeting performances deemed to be drag shows in public spaces or in the presence of minors. Supporters of the law argued it was necessary to protect children from sexually explicit content. Opponents, however, contended that the measure was discriminatory and vaguely worded, potentially criminalizing performances by artists like Parton, who built a career on exaggerated femininity and elaborate costumes.
The judge's order permanently enjoins Paxton from enforcing the law, marking the end of a legal battle that began shortly after the bill was signed. The ruling is a significant setback for conservative lawmakers in Texas who had championed the legislation as a priority. Legal experts say the decision could influence similar challenges to drag restrictions in other states, as courts continue to weigh the balance between public morality laws and First Amendment protections for artistic expression.
Parton's death on Tuesday at the age of 80 has dominated cultural headlines, with tributes pouring in from across the entertainment world. Her goddaughter Miley Cyrus paid an emotional tribute, writing that the feeling of losing her is beyond what feels right to share. Parton's team also revealed that multiple projects, including a biopic and a docuseries, were in development at the time of her death and will continue to be produced.
The Texas ruling now stands as an unexpected footnote in Parton's legacy, with the judge using her career as a benchmark for what constitutes protected performance. The case is expected to be appealed, but for now, drag performers and venue owners in Texas can operate without fear of prosecution under Senate Bill 12.
