The Drag Show Panic Got Its Own Penal Code

Dan Patrick's Texas Senate did not just complain about drag shows. It sent Senate Bill 12 into law.

The official caption says SB 12 relates to regulating sexually oriented performances and restricting those performances on commercial property, public property, or in the presence of someone younger than 18. It also says the bill authorizes a civil penalty and creates a criminal offense. Texas Legislature Online lists SB 12 as effective on September 1, 2023.

Big government in boots

This is the part where the limited-government speech gets a little sweaty.

When the Capitol wants to police a performance, it suddenly has all the confidence in the world. Civil penalty? Sure. Criminal offense? Add it to the cart. Statewide restriction? Apparently freedom needs a permission slip if the wrong people are onstage.

A culture-war bill with real-world edges

You do not have to like every show in Texas to see the problem. Conservatives used to know the difference between choosing not to attend something and asking Austin to write a new statewide crackdown.

SB 12's own caption is enough. The government did not merely issue a sermon. It wrote enforcement into law.

Vote like the First Amendment still matters

Texas voters can be protective of kids without letting politicians use moral panic as a ladder. Dan Patrick has climbed that ladder for years.

Vikki Goodwin offers Texans a way off it: practical government, less theater, and fewer culture-war statutes dressed up as courage.