Latest news with #AdultEntertainmentAct
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jackson official, LGBTQ group respond to Supreme Court denial of TN drag law case
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined a petition to hear a case concerning Tennessee's Adult Entertainment Act, upholding its constitutionality. Passed in 2023, House Bill 9 makes it an offense to host "adult-oriented entertainment," like cabaret performances and drag shows, in public spaces where minors could potentially view them. Supporters of the legislation say it ensures the protection of children from sexually explicit performances, while opponents, such as in the case of Friends of George's v. Mulroy, argue it violates free speech. Per Monday's decision, the case will not be heard by the Supreme Court. More: First Jackson drag show held since state's limiting legislation More: Music, festivity, and drag shows: Jackson TN Pride events return for fifth year More: Tennessee legislators try to halt Jackson Pride drag show, raising First Amendment concerns FOG filed an injunction on Mar. 27, 2023, shortly after Gov. Bill Lee signed HB9 into law, pushing back on the constitutionality of the legislation's encroachment on free speech. FOG, an LGBTQ+ theatre company in Memphis, has featured "drag-centric" entertainment since 2011. The troupe also works to raise money for organizations and charities that support the LGBTQ+ community. A district court ruled in favor of FOG and prohibited the legislation from being enforced in Shelby County. The case, which names Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy as the respondent, was taken to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit where it was dismissed on July 18, 2024. On Dec. 19, 2024, Mulroy filed a petition for the Supreme Court to review the lower court's decision. That petition was denied on Monday and upholds Tennessee's HB9. In response to the Supreme Court's decision, the theatre company posted on its website that "this ruling does not define us." "Friends of George's Theatre Company will continue exercising our First Amendment right to bring joyful, LGBTQ+ inclusive art into our community while raising thousands for charities that uphold dignity and respect for all," the post said. "We extend our deepest gratitude to our legal team for their valiant effort in representing us over the past two years. We are forever grateful for their advocacy, dedication and unwavering belief in our constitutional right to free expression." In 2022, Jackson was at the forefront of the conversation concerning the parameters of adult entertainment. Controversy concerning a drag show deemed "family friendly" was the diving board for the introduction of the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County. Todd, along with other local legislators, spearheaded the campaign to legally object to the drag show, scheduled to be hosted at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Jackson Pride, a local grassroots group striving to promote inclusivity and support among the LGBTQ+ community, organized the event. Originally set to be held in Conger Park, the event was quickly contested by local pastor and legislator outrage, and thus, prompting its relocation to the Civic Center with an age requirement. The annual drag performance has since returned to the Civic Center with no pushback, drawing a large crowd, and is restricted to those above the age of 18. Following the Supreme Court decision, Todd shared the following statement on Wednesday. 'I'm grateful to the United States Supreme Court for allowing the Sixth Circuit's ruling to stand, a major victory for morality and basic protections for children,' Todd said. 'Tennessee will continue to be a passionate advocate for families by supporting parental rights and protecting the innocence of minors. I continue to be proud of our state and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti as we fight for common sense in our nation.' Though Jackson Pride declined to comment on the Supreme Court decision, a representative from the organization said "we don't host adult entertainment for minors." Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here. This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson official, Pride group react to Supreme Court drag case denial
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SCOTUS tosses challenge to TN law banning drag shows with kids present, state AG hails decision
Tennessee's ban on drag shows when children are present will remain in effect, as the Supreme Court earlier this week refused to hear a challenge to the law brought on by a drag performance group, a move the state's Republican attorney general heralded as "another big win for Tennessee." The state's Adult Entertainment Act, passed in 2023, does not allow "adult-oriented performances" in public spaces, or anywhere where minors may see them. "Free speech is a sacred American value, but the First Amendment does not require Tennessee to allow sexually explicit performances in front of children," Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a post on X. "We will continue to defend TN's law and children." Gop Ag Predicts Which Side Has Advantage In Historic Scotus Transgender Case With 'Divided' Justices A federal judge ruled that the law, which specifically targets drag shows, was "unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad," temporarily halting enforcement. However, in July, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision, asserting that the Memphis-based theater company that filed the lawsuit – Friends of George's Inc. – lacked standing to challenge the law. Another lawsuit challenging the ban filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is still underway on behalf of Blount County Pride, another LGBTQ+ advocacy group, after then-Attorney General Ryan Desmond threatened to prosecute anyone violating the ban during the 2023 pride festival. Read On The Fox News App Fox News Digital reached out to Friends of George's Inc. and the ACLU but did not receive a response by publication time. Lawsuit Over Tennessee Law That Puts Limits On Drag Shows Dismissed By Federal Court In Win For Republicans Violators who do not adhere to the Adult Entertainment Act could be prosecuted for a Class A misdemeanor, while a second or third offense is a Class E felony. Both could result in fines and jail time anywhere from 11 months to six years. "I'm proud that the United States Supreme Court has upheld yet another Tennessee law protecting our children. SB 3 ensures that Tennessee children are not exposed to sexually explicit entertainment," state's Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson said in an X post. Johnson was one of the sponsors of the bill in 2023. The Supreme Court already has another case in front of them brought by the ACLU challenging a Tennessee law prohibiting transgender medical treatments and procedures for minors. In that case, the court is weighing whether the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, which guarantees equal treatment under the law for individuals in similar circumstances, prevents states from banning medical providers from offering puberty blockers and hormone treatments to children seeking transgender surgical procedures. Speaking to Fox News Digital last month, Skrmetti expressed cautious optimism of a favorable outcome. "It seems like the momentum has really shifted almost culturally on these issues. And when you see people trying to rewrite laws through creative judging, through creative regulating, that alienates the people from the laws that bind them, and it's bad for America." "We'll know what the Supreme Court does when the Supreme Court does it," he added. The high court is expected to rule on that case by article source: SCOTUS tosses challenge to TN law banning drag shows with kids present, state AG hails decision
Fox News
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
SCOTUS tosses challenge to TN law banning drag shows with kids present, state AG hails decision
Tennessee's ban on drag shows when children are present will remain in effect, as the Supreme Court earlier this week refused to hear a challenge to the law brought on by a drag performance group, a move the state's Republican attorney general heralded as "another big win for Tennessee." The state's Adult Entertainment Act, passed in 2023, does not allow "adult-oriented performances" in public spaces, or anywhere where minors may see them. "Free speech is a sacred American value, but the First Amendment does not require Tennessee to allow sexually explicit performances in front of children," Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a post on X. "We will continue to defend TN's law and children." A federal judge ruled that the law, which specifically targets drag shows, was "unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad," temporarily halting enforcement. However, in July, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision, asserting that the Memphis-based theater company that filed the lawsuit – Friends of George's Inc. – lacked standing to challenge the law. Another lawsuit challenging the ban filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is still underway on behalf of Blount County Pride, another LGBTQ+ advocacy group, after then-Attorney General Ryan Desmond threatened to prosecute anyone violating the ban during the 2023 pride festival. Fox News Digital reached out to Friends of George's Inc. and the ACLU but did not receive a response by publication time. Violators who do not adhere to the Adult Entertainment Act could be prosecuted for a Class A misdemeanor, while a second or third offense is a Class E felony. Both could result in fines and jail time anywhere from 11 months to six years. "I'm proud that the United States Supreme Court has upheld yet another Tennessee law protecting our children. SB 3 ensures that Tennessee children are not exposed to sexually explicit entertainment," state's Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson said in an X post. Johnson was one of the sponsors of the bill in 2023. The Supreme Court already has another case in front of them brought by the ACLU challenging a Tennessee law prohibiting transgender medical treatments and procedures for minors. In that case, the court is weighing whether the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, which guarantees equal treatment under the law for individuals in similar circumstances, prevents states from banning medical providers from offering puberty blockers and hormone treatments to children seeking transgender surgical procedures. Speaking to Fox News Digital last month, Skrmetti expressed cautious optimism of a favorable outcome. "It seems like the momentum has really shifted almost culturally on these issues. And when you see people trying to rewrite laws through creative judging, through creative regulating, that alienates the people from the laws that bind them, and it's bad for America." "We'll know what the Supreme Court does when the Supreme Court does it," he added. The high court is expected to rule on that case by June.
