The Supreme Court has rejected Florida’s request to enforce its new law targeting drag shows, while a court case is ongoing. The law, which has been prevented from being enforced statewide by a lower-court order, faced opposition from Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Orlando, which challenged its constitutionality. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas disagreed with the majority and would have granted Florida’s request.
Last month, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s order, stating that the law likely violated free speech and could not be enforced anywhere in the state. Hamburger Mary’s, known for hosting drag shows, argued that the law was overly broad, vaguely written, and infringed upon First Amendment rights by stifling speech.
The new law, supported by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who is vying for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, targeted venues that allowed children into “adult live performances.” Although the law did not explicitly mention drag shows, its sponsor clarified that it was intended for such performances. Violators of the law faced fines and potential suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses, while individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
