What to know after federal judge tosses out Tennessee’s anti-drag law
Published by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Reporter Omer Yusuf – June 4, 2023
A federal judge tossed out Tennessee’s controversial “anti-drag” law just after midnight Friday. The law would have restricted drag performances in the state.
Judge Thomas Parker ruled the law unconstitutional after closing arguments in hearings about the state’s recent passage of the bill concluded in May.
The bill restricting “male and female impersonators” from performing in public spaces was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee in March.
Parker sided with Friends of George’s, a Memphis-based LGBTQ theatre group that filed suit against the state shortly after Lee signed the bill into law.
Here’s what to know about the ruling.
