1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent from [your city/district] to express my serious concerns about the enforcement and scope of Senate Bill 12, the Texas drag show ban. A federal appeals court recently ruled that Texas can enforce parts of this law against certain public performances, which raises important questions about where the line is drawn between protecting minors and upholding First Amendment rights for artists and audiences. I urge you to consider how the current interpretation affects drag performers, production companies, and LGBTQIA+ communities across our state, and to engage in thoughtful oversight of how this law is applied in practice. Key context from recent reporting indicates that the law targets performances deemed “sexually oriented,” and the appellate panel highlighted that many performances may not meet that threshold. Critics have warned that portraying all drag performances as inherently sexual risks chilling artistic expression and could chill legitimate, non–explicit performances. It is essential that any enforcement does not blur the lines between protecting minors and suppressing speech or artistic expression that is protected by the First Amendment. I believe our state should prioritize criteria that are precise, evidence-based, and age-appropriate, rather than broad, punitive approaches that could harm artistic communities without clear public safety benefits. I respectfully request that you: Review how SB 12 is being interpreted and enforced in practice, including the definitions used for “sexually oriented” performances. Ensure that enforcement standards are precise, narrowly tailored, and uphold constitutional protections for artistic expression and free speech. Facilitate public briefings or town halls that include drag performers, venue operators, educators, faith leaders, and civil liberties advocates so that the policy reflects diverse perspectives and lived experiences in Texas. Thank you for considering these concerns. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you or your staff about how we can ensure Texas laws protect children while also safeguarding constitutional rights and the vitality of our cultural landscape.