Montana’s 30th annual Pride event just got a lot more festive after a federal judge blocked the state’s drag ban.
Events in Helena start this weekend and include a Queer Teen Prom, a Make Your Own Pride T-shirt event, and, thanks to the ruling, their fabulous annual Street Drag Show.
Similar laws have been blocked by federal judges over questions of constitutionality. Via The Hill:
Montana Pride, the host of an annual LGBTQ Pride celebration in Helena, joined the lawsuit last week, arguing that city officials — as a result of the law — have withheld permits that are needed for this year’s Pride festival, which is slated to run from July 30 to August 6.
“The thirtieth annual Montana Pride is slated to begin in less than two days,” Chief Judge Brian Morris wrote in Friday’s order. “Plaintiffs, along with the approximately 15,000 Montanans who wish to attend the events, cannot avoid chilled speech or exposure to potential civil or criminal liability under H.B. 359 in the absence of the extraordinary remedy of a [temporary restraining order.]”
Republicans in the state legislature this session had argued the law was necessary to protect children from “mature themes” and obscene material.
But “Montana law already protects minors from obscene material,” Morris wrote Friday.
Condragulations to the legal team for this important ruling, but this is a temporary order. As these laws continue to get proposed and passed, it’s important that you join us in fighting back! We are proud to partner with ACLU to stop these unconstitutional laws.
Support the Drag Defense Fund, and Happy Pride, Montana!
Image: Montana Pride logo
