The federal judge, who cited Dolly Parton in his ruling, found that the state law violated the First Amendment.

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[–] 181 points 1 month ago* (8 children)

In his ruling, Hittner mentioned Dolly Parton, whose death was announced Tuesday, and criticized the law’s definition of banning performances that “[appeal] to the prurient interest,” citing people who would chastise Parton “as a voluptuous sex symbol because of her big hair, flamboyant clothes and breast exposure.”

“There are ‘erotic’ elements in countless popular performances that could be subject to both civil and criminal penalties under S.B. 12,” he wrote.

One of the plaintiffs in the case, a drag queen who performs under the name Brigitte Bandit, impersonates Parton in her performances. Bandit celebrated the ruling on social media Tuesday, posting a screenshot of the decision and captioning it, “Drag is free speech, bitch.” She announced she would also perform as Parton, who gave her a rhinestone guitar as a gift in 2023, at an Austin bar Saturday in her honor.

Even from the grave, Dolly is making the world a better place.

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  • [–] 44 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    “There are ‘erotic’ elements in countless popular performances that could be subject to both civil and criminal penalties under S.B. 12,” he wrote.

    Yeah, lol. That's the real heart of the matter. If you're going to ban such public performances, then you need to ban ALL public performances that have even the slightest hint of it. And good luck with that.

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  • [–] 12 points 1 month ago (4 children)

    I don't think she's buried yet.

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  • [–] 105 points 1 month ago (3 children)
  • [–] 38 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    It's unfair. They need to ban those because they want to go but don't want to be seen there.

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  • [–] 103 points 1 month ago (43 children)

    If you think abortion is wrong, just don't have one.

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  • [–] 46 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    Gay marriage enters the chat.

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  • [+] 16 points 1 month ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (25 children)
  • [–] 31 points 1 month ago (6 children)

    Almost every person I know who thinks abortion is morally wrong also supports the death penalty and war for almost any reason and police violence. They only seem to care about unborn fetuses that are not 'alive' independently from the body they inhabit. And most think that the mother's life is fine as a fetus' collateral damage. Therefore I don't for a minute believe that many of those who profess to morally care about life/murder, really care about either.

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  • [–] 10 points 1 month ago (15 children)

    And the reply to every single one of those people is, "If you think abortion is wrong BECAUSE it is murder, then what are your feelings on the death penalty or war?"

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    [–] 78 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    The "freedom" crowd always seems to be quite upset at other people's freedoms... 🤦

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  • [–] 66 points 1 month ago (5 children)

    Conservatives want small government when it's stuff they want to do, and big government when they don't. In-groups to protect, out-groups to bind. Bad people. Cartoon villains.

    Glad this judge seems sensible.

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  • [–] 23 points 1 month ago

    Bad people.

    That's why they're all so religious of the Christian persuasion. They forgive themselves, the in group, but not others, the out group, for whom they reserve Old Testament treatment.

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    [–] 41 points 1 month ago (4 children)

    I've never experienced a drag show against my will.

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    [–] 37 points 1 month ago

    It's sure is neat how many GOP "issues" boil down to not understanding consent.

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  • [–] 33 points 1 month ago

    Republicans scream "freedom" louder than anyone, but they prove consistently that it's just a slogan to them. Texas has outlawed gambling, marijuana, reproductive healthcare, gay marriage, and effectively outlawed porn. And they're all up in the business of trans and gay folks. And they shove their religion down your throat every chance they get. I don't think they understand the meaning of freedom.

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  • [–] 31 points 1 month ago (8 children)

    Excited for the Supreme Court to decide states have the power to impose dress codes on the entire population.

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  • [–] 10 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    They want it banned because they fucking love it and they can’t square it with their bigotry so banning it is the only way to make the gay thoughts go away

    It’s ok Texans you can reject your upbringing and be yourselves. The thoughts aren’t wrong, Pastor is

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  • [–] 12 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    Incorrect. They want it banned so that they can arrest trans people under sex offenders laws then use that as an excuse to execute them.

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  • [–] 7 points 1 month ago

    This is correct. While some of them are ashamed of their own feelings/desires and want that banned so it isn't a temptation, the vast majority are going after this as a way to hurt people they want to hurt. Why they want to hurt them can be stem from many things.

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    [–] 25 points 1 month ago*

    How can you expect these bigots to stay away? What kind of solution is that? Why wont someone think of hate and intolerance for once.

    /s

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  • [–] 25 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    I've come to the conclusion that the people who are pushing for this type of legislation or rules have a deep seated homoerotic side to them.

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  • [–] 24 points 1 month ago

    Just don't go

    🤯

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  • [–] 20 points 1 month ago (7 children)

    Having been to a drag show, it's really no different than a fashion show. More clothing, actually.

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    [+] 17 points 1 month ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)
    [–] 15 points 1 month ago

    It really is that fucking simple

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  • [–] 14 points 1 month ago

    You mean to tell me all of the republicans don’t have to go to drag shows? They can’t resist.

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  • [–] 13 points 1 month ago* (1 child)

    In 2015, Paxton was indicted on state securities fraud charges relating to activities before taking office;[3] he pleaded not guilty. After Paxton fulfilled a pretrial agreement for restitution to the victims, ethics training, and community service, the charges were dismissed in 2025. In May 2023, Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives by a vote of 121–23, leading to his suspension.[4] The articles of impeachment included allegations that Paxton gave preferential treatment to a political donor who bribed him, misapplied public resources and made false statements against whistleblowers, obstructed justice in the securities fraud trial against him, and made false statements regarding his financial interests.[5][6][7] In September 2023, the Texas Senate voted 16–14 to acquit Paxton of all articles of impeachment, ending his suspension from office.[8][9]

    On July 28, 2015, a state grand jury indicted Paxton on three criminal charges:[271] two counts of securities fraud (a first-degree felony) and one count of failing to register with state securities regulators (a third-degree felony).[272][273] Paxton's indictment marked the first such criminal indictment of a Texas attorney general in thirty-two years since Texas attorney general Jim Mattox was indicted for bribery in 1983.[274] The complainants in the case are Joel Hochberg, a Florida businessman, and Byron Cook, a Republican and former member of the Texas House of Representatives.[275][276] Paxton and Cook were former friends and roommates while serving together in the Texas House.[276] Three special prosecutors were trying the state's case.[277]

    There's even more on Wikipedia. What a fucking crook

    -Wikipedia

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  • [–] 11 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    Reminds me of that one South Park episode.

    "If you don't like America you can get out."

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    [–] 9 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    Can't wait for this to get appealed to the supreme court for a 5-4 bullshit decision

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    [–] 6 points 1 month ago

    Fucking good.

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  • [–] 6 points 1 month ago

    Free speech motherfuckers! It's a double edged sword, but by fuck does it have both edges

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  • [–] 6 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    It's amazing that anybody would waste time trying to ban this or think a ban could withstand the inevitable challenge.

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