Florida banned Drag shows,
Courts block the ban,
Appeals court...
AP NewsMay 13, 2025ATLANTA (AP) — An injunction barring the enforcement of Florida’s drag-show ban will remain in effect after a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the law is likely unconstitutional.A three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court decision that described Florida’s law, purportedly aimed at protecting children from drag shows, as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida, where a federal bench trial can be scheduled.Attorney Melissa Stewart, who is representing Hamburger Mary’s, a drag-themed casual-dining restaurant, said they’re thrilled the First Amendment rights of Floridians will remain protected as the case continues.“The Court’s opinion recognizes this law for what it is -– an egregiously unconstitutional attempt to censor the speech and expression of citizens,” Stewart said.
Now 3 months later...
AP NewsJuly 22, 2025Florida’s statewide prosecutor has subpoenaed records of a popular restaurant after it hosted an LGBTQ Pride event last month that the prosecutor’s office says was open to all ages, even though a recent state law that restricts venues from admitting children to “adult” performances has been blocked by courts.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claimed in a statement Tuesday that the event at the Kilted Mermaid in Vero Beach had “adult, sexualized performers in front of children.” His office on Tuesday did not respond to repeated inquiries asking which laws may have been violated.The subpoena issued earlier this month asks for copies of guest lists, reservation logs, surveillance video and contracts identifying performers.
Wait a minute... there is an injunction against the bill!
The law was challenged in 2023 by the Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Orlando which regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances. The restaurant claimed the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech.In May, a three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court’s preliminary injunction that described Florida’s law as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida for trial.
So Florida gives the middle finger to the courts... federal court orders that they don't like they ignore!
Event held on June 29 was advertised on Facebook as 'all ages welcome'WPTVBy: Scott Sutton , Romelo Styles, Associated PressJuly 22, 2025The vice mayor of Vero Beach faces a state investigation and calls to resign after an LGBTQ+ event was held last month at her restaurant.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted on social media that Vice Mayor Linda Moore, the owner of the Kilted Mermaid, has been subpoenaed.Event held on June 29 was advertised on Facebook as 'all ages welcome'
But wait... the courts have stopped the law from going into effect!
Moore said she's hosted the event for five years without an issue until now."Gay pride is all ages to a certain point in the evening. I've stated this again and again and again," Moore said. "Perhaps it shouldn't have said 'all ages' on the flyer."Moore said she stands by her decision to hold the event and plans to do it again next year.The controversy spilled into City Hall on Tuesday during a packed public commission meeting. Despite mounting pressure from some residents, Moore said she won't resign as vice mayor.
What changed? Well the Republicans think that this is a vote getter! They think the persecution of LGBTQ+ people will keep them in office!
However, Moore's supporters argue the backlash is politically motivated and rooted in opposition to LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion. Several community members defended her record and accused critics of targeting an openly LGBTQ+ elected official.
Naw, the Republicans would never target LGBTQ+ people. Yeah, right!
I don’t think any parent would take an underage child to a drag show. But being a restaurant it’s possible. We know there’s no nudity or sexual overtones. Why the Pumpkin Prince and the GOP hate everyone “different “?
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