A popular Orlando bar/restaurant that hosts drag shows has just sued the state of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit comes less than a week after the governor signed a bill that targets drag shows.
The lawsuit, filed in Orlando federal court by the owner of Mary’s Orlando, a specialist in drinks, burgers and barbecue, argues that the state is depriving the company of its First Amendment rights. The bar is asking the court to temporarily halt the enforcement of the law while the case progresses.
DeSantis, who has made anti-LGBTQ+ legislation one of the highlights of his ultra agenda, is preparing to seek the Republican presidential nomination. He signed the bill restricting transvestite performances, along with bills banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting discussion of personal pronouns in schools.
Mary’s Bar & Grill has more than a dozen locations across the United States. The one in Orlando opened its doors in 2008. According to the lawsuit, it had presented drag shows “for the whole family” on Sundays, but the new Florida law requires them to prohibit children from attending. This has led to a 20% drop in bookings on Sundays.
Supporters of the legislation have said the law is intended to prevent children from viewing sexually explicit performances. The company’s lawyers argue that the new law is so broad and vague that it could apply to almost any performance in which a man dresses as a woman.
The lawsuit argues that business owners cannot risk having their business licenses suspended or facing prosecution by allowing children to attend these shows.
