Florida approves law banning minors from drag shows
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A federal appeals court voted to uphold Florida’s anti-drag law, restricting minors from attending drag performances in the state.
The lawsuit featured the operator of Hamburger Mary’s Orlando, a bar known to host drag performances–including those labeled as “family friendly.” They argued Florida’s Protection of Children Act not only infringed on First Amendment rights, but that it was also too obscure.
Under the act, children and minors are prohibited from adult performances or live shows which “depict or simulate nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or specific sexual activities.
While the law doesn't specifically refer to drag shows, conservatives have long targeted the community. It also bans them from such performances featuring lewd conduct and lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.
The Supreme Court found their definition of ‘lewd’ “eliminates any overbreadth, and the use of the phrase ‘age of the child present’ does not render the Act unconstitutionally vague."
As a result, venues must comply or potentially face fines, criminal penalties, and/or revoked operating licenses.
“Huge victory for our team at the 11th Circuit!” Uthmeier wrote in a social media post. “After three years of litigation, the full court affirmed the constitutionality of Florida’s ban on children attending sexualized drag shows.”
Republican governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal champion for the bill, also celebrated writing: "This shouldn't even be controversial, yet our law protecting kids required us to fend off lawsuits and win a case before a divided appellate court.”
Qommittee, an organization supporting drag performers facing censorship, released a statement and guide for working in Florida.
"Florida's anti-drag law is in effect, but drag is NOT banned in Florida. Even if your show is legal (and most are), you could be wrongfully targeted," the guide states. "Don't stop performing, but protect yourself."