The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a challenge to a Tennessee law seeking to restrict drag performances in the state.
In a brief, unsigned order, the court’s current justices denied a request from Friends of George’s Inc., a Tennessee-based theater company known for its drag performances, asking the high court to intervene in the case, reports The Hill.
As a result, the law will remain in effect.
In July, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, in a 2-1 decision, that Friends of George’s lacked standing to challenge the Adult Entertainment Act on the grounds that its performances would have some artistic value and would not violate the law’s restrictions on so-called “adult cabaret entertainment.” That decision overturned a lower court’s finding that the law was unconstitutional and infringed on the free expression rights of performers.
Under the law, drag performances are defined as “adult cabaret performances,” similar to shows featuring topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, or strippers.
Any shows with adult content, content that lacks “serious literary, artistic, political or scientific values,” or material that appeals to the “prurient, shameful or morbid interests,” are prohibited from being held in places where they may be viewed by minors.
Establishments or performers found in violation of the law can be fined or potentially face jail time. Friends of George’s and other opponents of the law have argued that, because the theater does not distinguish between adult and child ticket holders, and does not card patrons, they are at risk of prosecution under the law.
In rejecting the case, the Supreme Court failed to address whether the law actively infringes on performers’ right to free speech and free expression. As a result, a final decision on the law’s constitutionality can only occur after state or local authorities attempt to prosecute an individual, group, or business for alleged violations of the law.
A separate lawsuit challenging the law on its merits is working its way through the courts.
The American Civil Liberties Union brought that lawsuit in response to a letter from Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond threatening to prosecute organizers of the 2023 Blount Pride festival — and the president of Maryville College, where most of the festival’s events were held — if any drag performances took place.
A federal judge ultimately issued a restraining order prohibiting Desmond and local law enforcement from attempting to enforce the law, allowing the festival to proceed. In fact, despite threats of prosecution, attendance at the festival doubled.
Friends of George’s denounced the Supreme Court justices for refusing to hear the case and pledged not to be silent in their dissent.
“Friends of George’s Theatre Company will continue exercising our First Amendment right — bringing inclusive, joyful art to our community while raising thousands for charities that uphold dignity and respect for all,” the group said in a statement.
The U.S. Air Force says it will separate all transgender personnel with 15 to 18 years of service without retirement benefits. The move denies them early retirement under a policy that normally allows some members with more than 15 -- but fewer than 20 -- years of service to retire with prorated benefits instead of completing the standard 20 years.
Under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA), service members approved for early retirement receive prorated benefits -- including insurance coverage, disability pay, and access to housing on military bases.
Organizers of the annual Nashville Pride Festival & Parade have launched a fundraiser to help sustain future events after several longtime sponsors withdrew their support.
In an Aug. 20 press release, Nashville Pride said sponsorship revenue is down $270,000 from previous years.
Nearly 40% of the festival's longtime sponsors withdrew support for this year's Pride -- some just days before the festivities kicked off in late June -- according to Nashville Public Radio station WPLN. Among them were Bridgestone Americas, a presenting sponsor for 11 years, and Nissan, which ended its presenting sponsorship after four years.
A Moroccan court sentenced prominent feminist and LGBTQ activist Ibtissame "Betty" Lachgar to two-and-a-half years in prison and fined her $5,000 for "blasphemy," ruling that she violated the country’s criminal code against offending Islam or the monarchy by posting a photo of herself on social media wearing a shirt reading "Allah is lesbian."
In the caption, Lachgar wrote: "In Morocco, I walk around with T-shirts bearing messages against religions, Islam, etc. You tire us with your sanctimoniousness, your accusations. Yes, Islam, like any religious ideology, is fascist, phallocratic and misogynistic."
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