US Court Restores Florida Ban on Minors Attending 'Drag Queen' Shows

A federal appeals court in the United States has reinstated a Florida law that prohibits minors from attending "drag queen" performances, deeming them "obscene" under state law. The ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, decided by an 8-5 vote, reversed a previous injunction that had blocked the law since 2023.

The reinstated law, initially backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, makes it a misdemeanor for establishments to allow children to view performances featuring "nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or specific sexual activities, lewd exhibition or the lewd display of prosthetics or imitations of genitals or breasts." The court majority stated that while the Constitution protects free expression, it does not protect obscenity.

The law does not explicitly name "drag queen" shows, which are common in various venues across Florida and the U.S. However, the bill's sponsor, former state legislator Randy Fine, celebrated the ruling as a victory against these performances. He posted on social media, "I am proud to have led the fight to ban disgusting drag shows for children!"

Opponents, including LGTBI advocacy groups like Equality Florida, view the law as another measure targeting the LGTBI community under the DeSantis administration. They argue it infringes on freedom of expression and continues a pattern of legislation affecting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Equality Florida stated on Facebook, "Drag artists persist. Our fight against censorship continues. And in the meantime... tip your drag artists generously."