(The Center Square) – The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans drag shows in public places or anywhere minors are present.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, sponsored the bill passed by the General Assembly in 2023. It also requires venues to require age-verifying identification where sexually explicit shows are being performed.
The law was challenged by Friends of George’s, a Memphis theater group.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law in July.
“But the law in this area is clear – there is no constitutional interest in exhibiting indecent material to minors,” the court said in its majority opinion.
The case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which issued its decision not to hear the case on Monday.
“This court decision makes it clear that sexually explicit performances belong in spaces for adults, not in front of kids,” Johnson said. “Just because an event is labeled ‘family-friendly’ doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for children or reflects Tennessee’s values. This law establishes a necessary legal standard, ensuring that what is truly family friendly is clearly defined.”
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti called the decision a “big win.’
“Free speech is a sacred American value, but the First Amendment does not require Tennessee to allow sexually explicit performances in front of children,” Skrmetti said in a post on social media.
