BREAKING: Appeals Court Upholds Texas Law Protecting Children from Sexual Performances
Austin, TX – November 6, 2025: The New Orleans-based Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals handed the State of Texas a major win Thursday by overturning the ruling of a Houston federal judge who blocked Senate Bill (SB) 12, the law passed by the Texas Legislature to protect children from being exposed to sexualized content at drag shows. Texas Values was a leading organization fighting for passage of SB 12to protect children during the 88th Legislature, and also filed a legal amicus brief in support of the law.
Jonathan Covey, Director of Policy for Texas Values said:
“In 2023 we said this fight was far from over, and today’s ruling proves we meant it. There is a legitimate interest in protecting kids from hyper-sexualized performances that lure children into harmful exposure. We will not compromise on our duty to protect the most vulnerable, and we will never apologize for standing up for Texas children.”
In 2023, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 12, a law restricting sexually oriented performances on public property and in the presence of minors. A group of drag performers and related businesses subsequently filed suit and obtained an injunction against the state, alleging that the statute violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
Today’s decision to vacate the injunction means that SB 12 can continue legally protecting children from illicit exposure while the litigation is ongoing.
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About Texas Values
Texas Values is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.