18-State Coalition, Legal Group Oppose Ruling Deeming TN Law Protecting Kids from Explicit Performances ‘Unconstitutional’

A Coalition of States and Non-Profit Legal Group Challenge Ruling on Tennessee Law

A district court ruling that aimed to block a Tennessee law restricting sexually explicit performances in front ⁤of ​children⁣ has​ faced opposition from a coalition of states and a non-profit legal group.

In late June, U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker blocked​ the ⁣state’s “Adult Entertainment Act” after a⁣ suit was filed by Friends of⁣ George’s, an LGBTQ theatre company based in Memphis. Judge Parker deemed the law unconstitutional, citing its infringement ‍on freedom of ‌speech and‌ its vagueness.

“Protecting children from obscene and lewd behavior is not a new idea. We need to let kids be kids, and the state has legal authority to ensure their protection,”‌ said South‍ Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Leading ‌the coalition, Wilson was joined by eighteen states, including Alabama, Alaska, ⁢Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, ‍Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“I believe the Court wrongly ruled against the⁤ law, and ‌I’m happy to lead a coalition of⁢ support for the law on appeal,” Wilson added.

The law, signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in March,⁤ prohibits ⁤adult cabaret male or female impersonators from engaging in explicit performances on public property. However, ‌such performances, known as “drag shows,” ⁤are ‌still permitted in age-restricted venues.

America First Legal, a non-profit legal group, expressed ‌their support for the law and their commitment to defending the rights of Tennesseeans.

“We are proud to stand ⁢with our friends in Tennessee in defense of innocent children, and in opposition to erroneous, sweeping court orders that misapply the law based on the⁣ urging of⁣ radical activists,” said Gene ⁢Hamilton, vice president and general counsel of America First Legal.

The legal group ⁣argued that the district ‌court’s ruling allowed “pride” parade organizers, “drag queens,” and other performers to expose children to explicit content. They emphasized the importance of protecting ⁣children from such harmful experiences.

“No child should ever be⁣ exposed to the conduct at issue in this case — ever — and it is our hope that the Sixth Circuit overturns the injunction in this‍ case,” Hamilton concluded.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases