Naples Pride has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Naples for denying a special events permit to host a family-friendly drag performance in Cambier Park during its annual Pridefest. The lawsuit, backed by the ACLU of Florida and law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, claims the city’s actions violate the First Amendment.
On May 2, Naples Pride’s legal team delivered a powerful defense of free speech during a preliminary injunction hearing in federal court. A judge is expected to issue a ruling within a week, one that could determine whether Naples Pride can return its drag performance to the mainstage this June. The organization says the city’s refusal follows years of hostility toward drag and LGBTQ events.
Since 2023, Naples has rejected permit applications if they included drag performances in public, forcing the event indoors and slashing its reach and revenue. Samantha Past, LGBTQ+ Rights Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Florida, said, “The First Amendment ensures that viewpoint and content-based discrimination cannot infringe on freedom of speech and expression. Drag is an art form that holds great significance to the LGBTQ+ community, both as a form of social commentary and celebration. Drag is constitutionally protected, even if someone doesn’t like it.”
