On April 8th, 2023, the Florida Senate voted 28-12 in favor of a bill that would allow the state to revoke liquor licenses of restaurants and entertainment venues that let children attend drag shows. The bill’s language defined drag performance as “prurient, shameful, or morbid interest” that violates what adults deem appropriate for children to witness.
The bill is currently waiting for the House conference to pass an already certain law to send to Governor Ron DeSantis. The House version of the bill has an amendment that would change the interpretation from just entertainment venues with liquor licenses to any public performance. This change could impact public events such as Gay Pride parades or musicals like “La Cage aux Folles” or “Kinky Boots.”
Critics argue that the language of the bill is vague and broad and could have a chilling effect on artistic freedom in Florida. Theater managers are concerned about the potential consequences for their productions, and opponents of the bill fear that it could be used to target events and activities involving the LGBTQ+ community.
The bill’s supporters argue that it is necessary to protect children from “inappropriate” content and that it is a matter of parental rights. However, critics argue that the bill is a distraction from more pressing issues, such as gun violence, which poses a more significant threat to children.
Moreover, the Insidious nature of the bill is that it is written in vagueness, making it challenging to define clear rules. This lack of clarity creates a situation where the Governor can send out minions to enforce and define the law as they see fit, which is concerning.
In conclusion, the Florida Senate’s recent vote to ban children in drag shows has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that the bill’s language is too vague and broad. While the bill’s supporters argue that it is necessary to protect children, many argue that it is a distraction from more pressing issues, such as gun violence. As the bill heads to the House for its final committee stop, it remains to be seen what the final version of the bill will look like and how it will impact the LGBTQ+ community in Florida.
