A federal appeals court will hear arguments next week in a case challenging a Florida law that aims to restrict children from attending drag shows. The law, passed in 2023 and known as the “Protection of Children Act,” has been met with controversy and legal challenges.
The case centers around a lawsuit filed by Hamburger Mary’s, an Orlando restaurant and bar that hosts drag shows. A U.S. District Judge previously blocked enforcement of the law, stating it violated First Amendment rights and was not narrowly tailored enough to meet constitutional standards.
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Florida’s Attorney General appealed the ruling, and now a three-judge panel from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the case on October 9th in Jacksonville. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the future of the law and its impact on drag performances in Florida.
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The law defines “adult live performances” as those that depict or simulate nudity, sexual conduct, or lewd behavior. Opponents argue that the law’s broad language could be used to censor a wide range of artistic expression, while supporters maintain it is necessary to protect children from potentially harmful content.
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