Court Upholds Tennessee Drag Show Ban

A federal appeals court upheld Tennessee's Adult Entertainment Act, commonly referred to as the drag show ban, by dismissing a lawsuit brought by the Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater company, Friends of George’s. The court ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to challenge the law, reversing a previous decision that had deemed the statute unconstitutional. The law, which restricts 'adult cabaret performances' in public spaces or where minors might be present, was argued by the state to protect children, although opponents claim it targets the LGBTQ+ community and infringes on free speech. Friends of George's plans to appeal the ruling, emphasizing that the court did not address the constitutionality of the law itself. Various perspectives highlight the tension between protecting minors and safeguarding artistic expression and LGBTQ+ rights.