Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Florida Drag Show Law
The Facts
On Friday, US District Judge Gregory A. Presnell issued a preliminary injunction blocking Florida's Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation from implementing a new law on drag performances, ruling the language is overly vague and threatens free speech.
Due to his decision, the legislation preventing venues from allowing children to attend live performances that depict or simulate nudity and sexual conduct can no longer be enforced until a food establishment in Orlando finishes litigating its case.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This ruling dealt another blow to the Republicans and far-right activists who have sought to target the LGBTQ+ community and suppress the free speech of drag queen performers. This legislation was so vaguely worded and broad in scope that it could be used even to prevent high schoolers from attending plays like the musical Hair.
Republican narrative
This ill-founded decision will surely be appealed as Florida proudly leads the country in standing up for the children and reasserts its goal of being a refuge of sanity. Additionally, the gubernatorial cabinet will continue to support Sec. Griffin, who has been named as a defendant in this case.
