After pro-family organizations condemned Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar for “dragging his feet” on his investigation into a Dallas gay bar that hosted an explicit “all-ages” drag show earlier this year, Hegar released a statement to East Texas activists Grassroots America: We The People.
In June, Mr. Misster in Dallas hosted a “Drag the Kids to Pride” event, where scantily clad crossdressing men danced suggestively in front of children. One video from the event showcased children handing drag queens dollar bills and walking onstage in front of a neon sign reading, “It’s not gonna lick itself!”
Citizens asked Comptroller Hegar to investigate the bar, as Texas law requires that sexually oriented businesses pay a per-patron fee to the state and cannot allow minors in attendance. Hegar agreed to investigate in August.
“I completely understand the frustration of Texans who want something done immediately, as I personally find this behavior abhorrent and reprehensible,” said Hegar.
However, Hegar claims that “while the text of the current statute might appear to give me an avenue to designate these as sexually oriented businesses, the reality is more complex.”
According to Hegar, the courts have “watered down” the sexually oriented business laws to such an extent in the past decade that even a layer of paint over a nude dancer constitutes clothing. “This is exactly why Texas laws need to be updated and strengthened.”
“Losing this fight is not an option,” said Hegar. “And I will not allow activist courts to further undermine Texas values by engaging in a legal battle without having the proper statutory support needed to win that battle.”
Hegar’s office confirmed the authenticity of the statement to Texas Scorecard, though they have not released it on their own.
Texas Family Project President Chris Hopper says Hegar’s statement is a “win” for conservatives.
“We disagree with Hegar’s decision to not fine Mr. Misster and have always believed current state law is far from adequate and that all of the other drag shows in Texas are sadly legal, until the Legislature takes action. This is why we worked at the Texas GOP convention to ensure that ending the sexualization of children was a legislative priority,” said Hopper. “Now it’s up to the Legislature, and we look forward to ensuring they take action in 2023. This much must be clear to every elected Republican — either be part of the solution to ending the sexualization of Texas kids, or be prepared for pressure like you’ve never experienced.”
The Texas Legislature will resume in January for the 88th session, where lawmakers will be expected to tackle the sexualization of children—from explicit books in school libraries to “all-ages” drag shows and child gender mutilation.
Notably, State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R–Royse City) has already announced plans to file legislation to protect children from inappropriate displays.
Concerned citizens can use the Texas Scorecard directory to contact their legislators about protecting Texas kids.
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