A Clinton-appointed federal judge just sided against concerned parents in Florida.
This ruling has left lawmakers and families stunned.
And a federal judge made one ruling about Pride drag shows that left Byron Donalds fuming.
Naples judge blocks city’s attempt to protect children
Federal Judge John Steele, appointed by Bill Clinton, denied the City of Naples’ motion to move a drag show performance indoors and away from children during an upcoming Pride event at Cambier Park.
The controversial ruling allows the drag show to take place outdoors near a popular children’s playground with no age restrictions whatsoever.
U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District where Naples is located, blasted the judge’s decision.
“You have to be an adult to enter a strip club, but Clinton-appointed Judge John Steele wants sexually-explicit drag shows to take place next to a popular children’s playground in Naples,” Donalds said.
The congressman didn’t mince words about what he thought of the ruling.
“This ruling is atrocious & the City of Naples should appeal this case to the Supreme Court,” Donalds added.
City fights back against activist judge
The City of Naples wasn’t going to take this lying down.
Following the judge’s ruling, the Naples City Council held an emergency meeting and voted to appeal the federal judge’s decision.
The council’s vote came after Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced her intention to challenge the ruling allowing the outdoor performance to proceed without restrictions.
In his ruling, Judge Steele cited the LGBTQ+ organizations’ First Amendment rights to free speech, even in a limited public forum.Â
The court also claimed the city failed to demonstrate it would suffer “irreparable harm” without the restrictions.
Ironically, the Naples Police Department had previously stated it could safely manage the event with an outdoor performance, which likely undermined the city’s case.
Locals divided over the controversy
Naples residents have been vocal about their concerns regarding the upcoming event.
“We have absolutely no problem. I have, personally, no problem with the freedom to express whatever they want to express, that’s absolutely fine,” Christian, a resident who attended the emergency city council meeting, said. “I do have an issue as to where and how they do that. So we have age restrictions for a reason.”
Another resident, Denise, emphasized, “We’re not against them doing that if they want to do it in an 18-and-older environment or in a private environment. And like she said, we love all the people. This isn’t a hate thing.”
However, not all attendees shared this perspective.Â
Dominic Perno, who traveled from Fort Myers to support Naples Pride, had a different take.
“It was a really big sense of relief, and it feels like one win of Naples Pride, winning against the City of Naples,” Perno said. “I feel that if people were to actually attend actual drag shows and pride events, they would see what the reality is, that it’s not sexually explicit.”
City weighs next steps
The City of Naples is now considering its legal options as the event approaches.Â
Officials released a statement indicating they’re reviewing the order and determining next steps with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
“The City remains confident it has both the legal responsibility and the authority to attach reasonable restrictions on special event permits to ensure public safety,” the statement read.
Naples Pride Fest, which describes itself as a “family friendly fundraising event” on its website, is scheduled for June 7 at Cambier Park in downtown Naples.
The organization says the event will feature drag entertainers on its main stage alongside singers, dancers, and musical bands.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between First Amendment protections and parental rights to shield children from adult content in public spaces.
