Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Texas Court Upholds Ban on Public Drag Shows

11/7/2025

48 5

Summary

Story summary

The Fifth Circuit upheld Texas Senate Bill 12, banning "sexually oriented" drag shows on public property, and sent the case back to Houston, in a ruling by judges appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump and President George W. Bush.
The ruling said enforcement would occur only for overtly sexual acts.
Judge James Dennis partially dissented, warning the ruling ignored the legislature's intent to restrict drag in spaces accessible to children.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Fifth Circuit upheld Texas Senate Bill 12, banning "sexually oriented" drag shows on public property, and sent the case back to Houston, in a ruling by judges appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump and President George W. Bush.
The ruling said enforcement would occur only for overtly sexual acts.
Judge James Dennis partially dissented, warning the ruling ignored the legislature's intent to restrict drag in spaces accessible to children.