The court’s opinion is a victory for the right to take photographs in public — even when a statute barring such photograph is limited to photography of people without their consent and “with intent to arouse or gratify … sexual desire,” but of course equally when the photographs lack such an intention. The court struck down the Texas “improper photography” statute, which read….

via Texas’ highest criminal court strikes down ‘improper photography’ statute – The Washington Post.

The state’s highest criminal court on Wednesday tossed out a state law banning “improper photography” — photos or videos taken in a public place without consent and with the purpose of sexual gratification — as a violation of free-speech rights.

In an 8-1 ruling, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals said photos, much like paintings and films, are “inherently expressive” and therefore protected by the First Amendment.

via Texas court tosses out ‘improper photography’ law | www.statesman.com.