Federal Court Upholds Tennessee's Controversial Anti-Drag Law

Appeals court overturns lower court ruling, citing lack of standing by plaintiffs challenging the law's restrictions on public drag performances.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a decision that had declared Tennessee's Adult Entertainment Act unconstitutional.
The court ruled that Friends of George’s, a Memphis-based theater group, did not demonstrate sufficient injury to challenge the law.
The Adult Entertainment Act bans 'adult cabaret entertainment' in public spaces or where minors can view it, including performances by 'male or female impersonators.'
A dissenting judge argued that the law imposes unconstitutional restrictions on free speech and could have a chilling effect on performers.
The theater group's attorneys plan to seek an en banc review, where the entire court would hear the case.