TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Feb 20, 2026

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee is asking a federal appeals court to revive a lawsuit filed on behalf of Blount Pride, alleging the group’s First Amendment rights were violated after the Blount County District Attorney’s Office warned organizers they could face prosecution over certain acts at the group’s 2023 festival. According to WBIR, District Attorney Ryan Desmond said his office would prosecute organizers if “adult cabaret” performances occurred, citing Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act, which prohibits performances on public property or where minors can view them if they are deemed harmful to minors. The ACLU sued Desmond and Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp in federal court, and U.S. District Judge J. Ronnie Greer issued a temporary order blocking enforcement of the law before later dismissing the case. On Feb. 19, the ACLU announced it had filed an appeal with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that Desmond and Crisp violated Blount Pride’s free speech rights by threatening enforcement tied to a drag performance advertised for the event.