A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can enforce a state law restricting “sexually oriented performances,” including some drag shows.

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Thursday ruling reversed a lower court’s decision that said Senate Bill 12 was unconstitutional. The 2023 law bans shows that are “sexual in nature” and performed in front of minors; it can result in fines or jail time for drag artists, as well as fines for venues.

Shortly after the law went into effect, two groups, Abilene Pride Alliance and The Woodlands Pride, Inc., two entertainment companies and drag performer Brigitte Bandit sued to block it , saying it violated their First Amendment rights to free speech. The appeals court ruled the plaintiffs didn’t prove they would be impacted by SB12. The law has

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