Free Speech & Censorship
The First Amendment protects individuals’ right to free speech and expression regardless of the popularity of the viewpoint. Free speech is vital to a vibrant democracy. ACLU-TN has long championed individuals’ right to speak, read, publish and protest freely, without fear of censorship.
The Latest
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Residents describe being surveilled at home, pulled over under false pretenses, boxed in with vehicles, and jailed in retaliation for observing and documenting Memphis Safe Task Force activity
Tennessee Voters Sue to Block Redrawn Congressional Map that Discriminates Against and Silences Black Memphians
Federal Lawsuit Aims to Halt Map Before August Primary
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
June 24, 2026
Blount Pride, Inc. v. Desmond
Blount Pride, Inc. (“Blount Pride”) planned a Pride event that would feature drag performances, including a performance by drag queen Flamy Grant. The event was to occur on September 2, 2023 at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. On August, 29, 2023, four days before the event, District Attorney for Tennessee’s Fifth Judicial District, Ryan Desmond, issued a letter to Blount Pride saying that he would enforce the anti-drag law that had been passed in 2022.
In an effort to protect the free speech rights of drag performers, ACLU-TN and attorneys Brice Timmons, Melissa Stewart, Daniel Horwitz, Melissa Dix, and Justin Gilbert filed a complaint and emergency motion for a temporary restraining order on August 30, 2023 on behalf of Blount Pride and Christian artist and drag performer Flamy Grant.
United States District Court Judge Ronnie Greer, in the Eastern District of Tennessee, granted the temporary restraining order and the Pride event proceeded as planned. Defendants then agreed to a preliminary injunction while a previously filed challenge to the anti-drag law, Friends of George’s v. Mulroy, continued on appeal in the Sixth Circuit.
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