Judge Rules Drag Ban Law is Unconstitutional

HOUSTON, TX (September 26, 2023) – In  a separate lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Texas, a judge granted and extended a temporary restraining order, blocking the law from being enacted on September 1st - today he ruled that SB 12 is unconstitutional. We applaud the Judge’s decision stating that SB 12, the Drag Ban law, is against the law and violates our fundamental right to freedom of speech.

His ruling affirms what we have known all along: drag is not a crime.

"The Drag Ban Law is an attack on the LGBTQ+ community," said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.  "While we celebrate this important ruling today, it's unfortunate that our community and our members have to endure this entire legal process.  We should be helping business and not hurting them.  As this case progresses, the Chamber will be working with our attorney on a potential and likely appeal by the State of Texas.  The Chamber is committed for the long haul and seeing our case through on behalf of our members and the LGBTQ+ community."

People no matter their gender, sexual orientation, or occupation have the First Amendment right to express themselves, and this ruling helps ensure they are able to do so.  This law was a clear example of Texas politicians’ attempt to silence, punish, and take away people’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression - and it will not stand.

For now, businesses and performers can rest assured that they will not be fined or criminalized for performing - this law will no longer stop us from sharing our creativity, joy, and community with one another..  Our attorney, The Texas Civil Rights Project, will continue monitoring this case as it makes its way through the courts, to ensure that the law does not go into effect.

Drag is not a crime, and letting children attend drag shows is not a crime - we hope this law remains overturned to ensure that all Texans have the right to express themselves, to build a Texas where people are able to live and perform as their authentic selves, it is essential to protect the freedom of speech and self-expression.  

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About the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.  Visit www.houstonlgbtchamber.com to learn more about the Chamber.