In a recent ruling, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit challenging Tennessee's first-in-the-nation law that aimed to impose strict limits on drag shows. The court reversed a previous decision by a lower court, which had declared the statute unconstitutional and blocked its enforcement in certain parts of the state.

The lawsuit was filed by Friends of George's, a Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater company, alleging that the law would have a negative impact on their drag-centric performances, comedy sketches, and plays, which have no age restrictions. However, the appeals court determined that Friends of George's did not have a legal basis to sue as they were not at risk of violating the law since their performances were not deemed "harmful to minors."

The anti-drag law was enacted by Tennessee's Republican-dominated Legislature last year with the support of Governor Bill Lee, also a Republican. Lawmakers argued that the legislation was necessary to restrict drag performances from public spaces or anywhere children might be exposed to them, citing examples of such performances in their hometowns.

The law specifically prohibited adult cabaret performances on public property or in places where minors could be present. Performers who violated the law faced potential misdemeanor or felony charges for repeat offenses.

The federal appeals court pointed out in its ruling that Friends of George's failed to demonstrate that their performances lacked serious value for 17-year-olds, despite insisting that their shows were appropriate for 15-year-olds and possessed artistic merit for 17-year-olds.

Friends of George's has not yet responded to the court's decision and has not provided any comments regarding the ruling.

This ruling marks a significant development in Tennessee's controversial anti-drag show law, which has been a subject of intense debate between proponents of free speech and supporters of restrictions on public performances. As the legal battle continues, the implications for the LGBTQ+ community and artistic expression in Tennessee remain uncertain.