A federal judge in Florida has temporarily halted the enforcement of a state law that restricts drag performances, marking the third time this month that courts have blocked laws championed by Governor Ron DeSantis concerning gender and LGBTQ+ issues. The law, signed by DeSantis in May, prohibits minors from attending “adult live performances,” a definition that opponents argue is overly broad and infringes on First Amendment rights.
U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell sided with the plaintiffs, including Hamburger Mary's, an Orlando establishment known for its drag shows, finding that the law likely violates constitutional free speech protections. Judge Presnell criticized the law's vague language, suggesting it was specifically crafted to target drag performers while the state already has statutes addressing obscene performances. The lawsuit will proceed, despite the governor's office disagreeing with the ruling and vowing to appeal.
This recent legal setback for DeSantis follows two other court decisions this month that blocked a ban on Medicaid coverage for transgender healthcare and restricted the enforcement of a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. These rulings have cited the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. The governor, a Republican presidential candidate, has been a prominent figure in the conservative movement advocating for restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, a stance that has drawn both support and strong opposition.
