The ACLU Of Texas Takes Legal Action Against State’s Pending Law Intending To Restrict Drag Performances!

Cousins! The ACLU ( American Civil Liberties Union) of Texas has filed a lawsuit against state officials seeking to restrict sexually oriented performances!

The group in which represents local LGBTQ groups, businesses and more is currently arguing that the Senate’s pending Bill 12 violates American citizens first and fourteenth constitutional rights, reports ABC News.

Though the law doesn’t directly mention drag performances, local members of Congress have stated that the bill will prohibit, “sexualized performances and drag shows in the presence of a minor.” Sources state that the law is scheduled to go into effect as of next month September 1st.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick says that the proposed law will prohibit, the “exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of male or female genitals in a lewd state” as well as “the exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics.”

He adds, “I named SB 12 to be one of my top priorities this session because someone must push back against the radical left’s disgusting drag performances which harm Texas children.”

It has been indicated that the law will also restrict, “ the use of cross-dressing in public performances, according to the bill. These performances would be restricted from public properties or in the presence of someone under the age of 18.”

In response, the ACLU of Texas argues that Texas congress members are “threatening the livelihood and free expression of many Texans.”

Court documents obtained by ABC News read that “The plaintiffs say their performances and events have been impacted by the impending law, experiencing “financial loss of business, threats to their personal safety” and censorship.”

“The organization argues that the law could censor several types of performances — including touring Broadway plays, theater performances, professional cheerleading routines and drag shows — from public spaces or anywhere that someone under the age of 18 may be present.”

Verniss McFarland III, founder and executive director of The Mahogany Project, an advocacy group for queer people of color expressed that Drag shows are, “a creative outlet to those who have endured life’s adversities, systematic oppression, and denial of our nation’s inalienable rights.”