Drag Queens

An Orlando restaurant and bar Thursday argued the U.S. Supreme Court should keep in place a statewide preliminary injunction against a law aimed at preventing children from attending drag shows.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court in a fight about a ruling that blocked statewide a new law aimed at preventing children from attending drag shows.The state’s attorneys want the Supreme Court to approve a partial stay of a preliminary injunction that U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell issued to block the law.

Arguing that the measure does not “target” drag shows, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is urging a federal judge to toss out a constitutional challenge to a new law that bars children from attending “adult live performances.” State lawyers filed arguments Friday as U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell prepares to hold a hearing Tuesday on a motion by operators of the Orlando restaurant Hamburger Mary’s for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the law, which DeSantis signed last month.

Less than a month after the Naples City Council voted to approve the permit for the 2023 Naples Pride Festival in Cambier Park, Naples Pride announced they will host the drag show portion of the festival indoors due to safety concerns.

While the proposal (SB 1438) doesn’t specifically mention drag shows, the bill defines “adult live performances” as “any show, exhibition, or other presentation that is performed in front of a live audience and in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities, … lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.”

The governor's office alleges that "A Drag Queen Christmas", which took place this week, was "marketed to children." But websites for the show stated entry was set for ages 18+, unless accompanied by a parent. The investigation echoes an August investigation into a Wynwood bar.