On Tuesday, a federal appeals court upheld an injunction against the State of Florida that barred drag shows in public. The three-judge panel voted 2-1 to uphold a lower court’s decision describing the law as overly broad and vaguely written. The case will now return to the Middle District of Florida, where a federal bench trial can be scheduled. The original lawsuit was filed by Hamburger Mary’s of Orlando in 2023, stating that drag ban championed by Ron DeSantis violated free speech. Hamburger Mary’s is known for its drag performances, including a family-friendly drag brunch on Sunday. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime. Briang Wright, a spokesperson for Governor DeSantis’s office, said:
“No one has a constitutional right to perform sexual routines in front of little kids. We will do everything possible to have this lawless decision overturned.”
Critics of the law have called it an unconstitutional attempt to stifle free speech and freedom of expression.
