Supreme Court Makes Decision on Tennessee Law Restricting Drag Shows When Minors Are Present

The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Tennessee’s law restricting certain drag performances, leaving the legislation in place. This decision reinforces the state’s authority to regulate performances deemed inappropriate for minors.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to Tennessee’s drag performance restrictions.
The law, passed in 2023, bans “adult-oriented performances” in public or where minors may see them.
A Tennessee court initially ruled the law unconstitutional, but a federal appeals court overturned that decision.
Friends of George’s, a Memphis-based theater group, challenged the law, arguing it harmed their performances.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the group lacked standing, as their shows were not “harmful to minors.”

The Rest of The Story:

Tennessee lawmakers passed the law in 2023, defining “adult cabaret entertainment” to include topless or exotic dancers and “male or female impersonators” in performances that are “harmful to minors.”

While a lower court initially blocked the law, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that ruling, finding that Friends of George’s failed to prove their performances would be restricted.

The theater group sought Supreme Court intervention, arguing the appeals court wrongly narrowed the law’s interpretation.

However, the justices declined to take up the case, effectively allowing the restrictions to stand.

Tennessee officials maintain that the law is designed to protect children, while opponents claim it unfairly targets drag performances.

Another big win for Tennessee! Today, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Friends of George’s v. Mulroy.

“Free speech is a sacred American value, but the First Amendment does not require Tennessee to allow sexually explicit performances in front of children,” said AG… pic.twitter.com/Tqiyi3aXwz

— TN Attorney General (@AGTennessee) February 24, 2025

Commentary:

This case is a clear example of states’ rights prevailing over activist challenges.

Tennessee’s law does not outright ban drag performances; it simply ensures that children are not exposed to explicit or inappropriate content.

The idea that minors should have unrestricted access to these shows is absurd, and the Supreme Court was right to leave this decision in place.

Opponents argue that drag performances promote inclusivity and self-expression, but that’s not the issue here.

The real concern is whether these performances, some of which are overtly sexual in nature, belong in spaces accessible to children.

Common sense says no.

Parents wouldn’t take their kids to a strip club or a burlesque show—why should drag performances be any different?

This ruling also reinforces that not every ideological disagreement belongs in the courts.

The Tennessee legislature, elected by its citizens, passed this law, and the courts have upheld its validity.

Those who disagree can push for change through the legislative process instead of relying on activist judges to force their agenda.

In a time when some schools and entertainment venues seem more interested in pushing progressive ideology than protecting childhood innocence, it’s refreshing to see a court ruling that respects state authority and parental rights.

Kudos to SCOTUS for letting this law stand.

The Bottom Line:

The Supreme Court’s decision keeps Tennessee’s drag performance restrictions in place, affirming the state’s right to regulate public performances deemed inappropriate for minors.

Despite opposition from activists, the law does not ban drag outright—it simply prevents children from being exposed to adult content.

This is a win for common sense and state sovereignty.