A federal judge has once again blocked a Texas law restricting public drag performances, ruling it unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge David Hittner declared Senate Bill 12 a violation of free speech protections under the First Amendment. This is the second time Hittner has issued such a ruling against the legislation. The judge permanently barred Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the law. Hittner found the statute to be unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. The law, signed in June 2023, targeted "sexually oriented performances" and imposed penalties if minors were present. It also banned specific gestures and the exhibition of exaggerated sexual characteristics. Hittner argued that the law could potentially penalize even mainstream performers. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated his intention to appeal the decision, citing the protection of children. Opponents, including the ACLU, celebrated the ruling, asserting that drag performances are a form of protected expression.