Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that he would take action against establishments that allow minors to watch drag shows. His warning was met with mixed reactions outside an event held in Orlando.
The event, which was called "A Drag Queen Christmas," was held in an Orlando Philharmonic Plaza. In a letter to the organization, the state's professional regulation secretary stated that it could lose its license due to the event's presence.
"In his letter, the regulation secretary stated that holding the event violated the state's public nuisance and disorderly conduct laws. He also noted that the presence of minors at the event could threaten the facility's license."
.@FloridaDBPR is warning The Plaza Live in Orlando about a drag show scheduled there later tonight.
“If minors are allowed to attend this drag show, the Department will take any and all actions available to ensure that you do not pose a threat to minors in the future.” pic.twitter.com/fIAu1aqBU9
— Jason Delgado (@byJasonDelgado) December 28, 2022
Protesters were outside the venue to voice their concerns about the event. They were worried that minors would attend the event.
Joe "White Shark" said that he was worried that the event would attract minors. He noted that the organizers brought kids along with them.
Kaity Danehy-Samitz, who was part of a group representing a local women's rights organization, said that they were out to show their support for the event's organizers.
Anna Eskamani, a state representative from Florida, criticized the letter sent by the regulation secretary. She claimed that it was an attempt to intimidate individuals from attending the event.
Following complaints about a Dec. 26 drag show in Fort Lauderdale, DeSantis promised to look into the matter.
"In response, a spokesperson for the governor stated that the state's business and professional regulation department was aware of the complaints about the event. He said that the agency was looking into the matter and would take action if necessary."
Thank you to those who flagged the event for us. Please see the following statement: pic.twitter.com/D8N8a6SPNa
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) December 27, 2022
In addition, holding an event that encourages children to engage in sexually explicit activities is considered a crime in Florida. Doing so would also violate the state's licensing standards for businesses.
According to Griffin, the evidence collected during the investigation will be forwarded to the FDLE for possible criminal prosecution.
In a suburb outside St. Louis, minors were recently prohibited from attending a drag show. The mayor of Chesterfield, Bob Nation, said that the city had an ordinance that protects minors. He also noted that the event would not be allowed to take place in the city.
The preceding is a summary of an article that originally appeared on Washington Examiner.
