A federal judge rejects Tennessee’s anti-drag law as too broad and vague

A federal judge ruled Tennessee’s anti-drag law as unconstitutional due to being vague and overbroad.

The ruling: U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker stated that the law encouraged “discriminatory enforcement.”
* He differentiated between material deemed “obscene” in the vernacular and under the law.
* Parker was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

The lawsuit: Memphis-based Friends of George’s filed the complaint, arguing the law would negatively affect their drag-centric performances and plays with no age restrictions.
* Republican Gov. Bill Lee and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti were initially listed as defendants, but later dismissed.
* Skrmetti still represented Shelby County District Attorney General Steven Mulroy in this case.

The law’s implications: Tennessee’s anti-drag law aimed to restrict drag performances from taking place in public or where children could view them.
* The law did not use the word ~~”drag,”~~ but redefined adult cabaret to include ~~”male or female impersonators.”~~
* It would have banned adult cabaret performances from public property or anywhere minors might be present, with performers risking misdemeanor or felony charges.

View original article on NPR

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