Who’s going to now argue that it’s fine to bring children to strip shows and bars? To porn theaters and shops? Because that’s generally the same thing
Federal judge blocks Florida from enforcing ban on minors attending drag shows
A federal judge in central Florida on Friday temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a new law banning minors from attending drag shows.
The judge, Gregory Presnell, was acting on a request by the restaurant chain Hamburger Mary’s, which sued Florida last month claiming that the law was overly broad and put a chilling effect on the right to free speech under the First Amendment.
Pretty sure that there’s no free speech involved in keeping minors out of strip clubs. No one under 16 can get a tattoo in Florida, and parental consent is required for those 16 and 17. Heck, parents need to give consent for most medical procedures. But, we’re also really talking about young children, most of whom aren’t even out of grade school yet, and many who are under 10.
Presnell, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, determined that while some people may find a drag performer reading a children’s book to a minor during a performance to be inappropriate, it doesn’t necessarily constitute an obscene performance. He also stated that current obscenity laws already “provide Defendant with the necessary authority to protect children from any constitutionally unprotected obscene exhibitions or shows.”
Florida’s Republican-led Legislature passed the measure in April that bars minors from attending drag shows with “lewd” performances. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for president, signed it into law in mid-May. The governor previously said such drag performances “sexualize” kids and has pushed for stricter restrictions around them.
Are strip clubs where they don’t get naked “lewd”? The kids see this same amount of skin on the beaches. But, they are banned.
Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis’ press secretary, said in a statement that the administration believes the “judge’s opinion is dead wrong and [we] look forward to prevailing on appeal.”
Hamburger Mary’s frequently hosts “family-friendly” drag performances where children are invited to perform.
Yeah, we’ve seen the family friendly performances that people have filmed.
When they tell you Drag Shows for Kids are Harmless and Educational…show them this video ?????????????? pic.twitter.com/0DG8ZIluFi
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 28, 2023
