The effects of Florida Republicans’ assault on drag entertainment and the LGBT community are being felt hard.
Port St. Lucie has canceled this weekend’s Pride parade and is restricting entry into the festival to people 21+.
Pride of the Treasure Coast, the organization producing the events, made the announcement Wednesday on social media, saying, “After multiple meetings with city officials, it is with a heavy heart that Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast has to announce that this weekend’s Pridefest will now be a 21 and older event. The city has decided that with the likelihood that the governor will sign the latest bill into effect this evening, that we will need to be on the side of caution and has required us to make this necessary change. We are obviously upset and disheartened that it has come to this. We also regret to announce that we will have to cancel our plans to bring back our beloved parade.”
The city revoked the permit for the parade in the shadow of SB 1438, which becomes law as soon as Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it. The bill makes it a crime for anyone under 18 years old to attend “adult entertainment,” which now includes drag entertainment.
The bill makes no distinction between a drag story hour at a library or a midnight show at a club. The youth parade was also canceled.
The age restrictions will prevent families from attending together, be they same-sex couples with their children, or supportive parents bringing their LGBT children.
This is the latest legislative attack by the GOP supermajority in Tallahassee. They have expanded “Don’t Say Gay,” restricted health care for the trans community, and are letting parents ban books with even a veiled reference to the existence of LGBT.
Felt In South Florida
Compass runs Palm Beach Pride, and their Executive Director, Julie Seaver, responded to the announcement with sympathy and a warning.
“I would caution Port St. Lucie Civic Center and the Port St. Lucie City Commission to not move forward in pre-complying with laws that are unconstitutional and not yet laws. It gives the state way too much power and shows no autonomy over our own city governments that represent the populations they serve. Do not let this fascist state government scare you into pre-compliance with propaganda.”
The imminent passage and signing were also addressed at the most recent city commission meeting in Wilton Manors. City attorney Kerry Ezrol monitors legislation under discussion in Tallahassee that would affect the city. The law could affect the Stonewall Pride Festival in June.
When questioned by commissioners, he gave a preliminary opinion that, since the permit has already been issued, it’s possible that this event may get by this year.
Leaders that approve permits in violation of the law could be removed and replaced with an appointee by the governor. Businesses found in violation could lose their liquor and other licenses to operate.
The constitutionality of this law will be challenged in court, and SFGN will continue to monitor developments.
