In his ruling, Hittner mentioned Dolly Parton, whose death was announced Tuesday, and criticized the law’s definition of banning performances that “[appeal] to the prurient interest,” citing people who would chastise Parton “as a voluptuous sex symbol because of her big hair, flamboyant clothes and breast exposure.”

“There are ‘erotic’ elements in countless popular performances that could be subject to both civil and criminal penalties under S.B. 12,” he wrote.

One of the plaintiffs in the case, a drag queen who performs under the name Brigitte Bandit, impersonates Parton in her performances. Bandit celebrated the ruling on social media Tuesday, posting a screenshot of the decision and captioning it, “Drag is free speech, bitch.” She announced she would also perform as Parton, who gave her a rhinestone guitar as a gift in 2023, at an Austin bar Saturday in her honor.

Even from the grave, Dolly is making the world a better place.

As it should be.

If you think abortion is wrong, just don't have one.

The "freedom" crowd always seems to be quite upset at other people's freedoms... 🤦

Conservatives want small government when it's stuff they want to do, and big government when they don't. In-groups to protect, out-groups to bind. Bad people. Cartoon villains.

Glad this judge seems sensible.

I've never experienced a drag show against my will.

It's sure is neat how many GOP "issues" boil down to not understanding consent.

Republicans scream "freedom" louder than anyone, but they prove consistently that it's just a slogan to them. Texas has outlawed gambling, marijuana, reproductive healthcare, gay marriage, and effectively outlawed porn. And they're all up in the business of trans and gay folks. And they shove their religion down your throat every chance they get. I don't think they understand the meaning of freedom.

Excited for the Supreme Court to decide states have the power to impose dress codes on the entire population.

I've come to the conclusion that the people who are pushing for this type of legislation or rules have a deep seated homoerotic side to them.

How can you expect these bigots to stay away? What kind of solution is that? Why wont someone think of hate and intolerance for once.

/s

Just don't go

🤯

Having been to a drag show, it's really no different than a fashion show. More clothing, actually.

It really is that fucking simple

You mean to tell me all of the republicans don’t have to go to drag shows? They can’t resist.

In 2015, Paxton was indicted on state securities fraud charges relating to activities before taking office;[3] he pleaded not guilty. After Paxton fulfilled a pretrial agreement for restitution to the victims, ethics training, and community service, the charges were dismissed in 2025. In May 2023, Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives by a vote of 121–23, leading to his suspension.[4] The articles of impeachment included allegations that Paxton gave preferential treatment to a political donor who bribed him, misapplied public resources and made false statements against whistleblowers, obstructed justice in the securities fraud trial against him, and made false statements regarding his financial interests.[5][6][7] In September 2023, the Texas Senate voted 16–14 to acquit Paxton of all articles of impeachment, ending his suspension from office.[8][9]

On July 28, 2015, a state grand jury indicted Paxton on three criminal charges:[271] two counts of securities fraud (a first-degree felony) and one count of failing to register with state securities regulators (a third-degree felony).[272][273] Paxton's indictment marked the first such criminal indictment of a Texas attorney general in thirty-two years since Texas attorney general Jim Mattox was indicted for bribery in 1983.[274] The complainants in the case are Joel Hochberg, a Florida businessman, and Byron Cook, a Republican and former member of the Texas House of Representatives.[275][276] Paxton and Cook were former friends and roommates while serving together in the Texas House.[276] Three special prosecutors were trying the state's case.[277]

There's even more on Wikipedia. What a fucking crook

-Wikipedia

Reminds me of that one South Park episode.

"If you don't like America you can get out."

Can't wait for this to get appealed to the supreme court for a 5-4 bullshit decision

Fucking good.

It's amazing that anybody would waste time trying to ban this or think a ban could withstand the inevitable challenge.

Free speech motherfuckers! It's a double edged sword, but by fuck does it have both edges

Gigachad response

Does this only apply to Texas, because Ohio has a similar thing the are doing “for the children”

Maxwell Q. Klinger approves this decision.

Free speech much?

and not the more important things like the 1800 AI datancenters on standby being built.

Certain kinds of law proposals, when struck down, should result in jail time for those who signed the proposal. Trying to make arbitrary clothing or movement illegal is one of those things.

Ah Texas, the hypocrite state. Uphold the rights of all, until they don't like something that falls under those rights.

Rich conservatives have so much time on their hands they made a hobby out of being a nuisance to others.

The freedom to be offended doesn’t grant you more or less than that. So that seems fair

Yeeaaaayyyyyy!!!

US law can be so stupid sometimes, depending so much on having an adult in the room because of all the focus in tradition and precedent and so little on expertise, which makes it so vulnerable to personal biases.