PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA — An annual LGBTQ “Pride” festival in Florida added a 21+ age restriction and canceled its parade in anticipation of a new law that would prohibit children from attending “adult” performances.
“Pride of the Treasure Coast” announced the changes on Thursday in a Facebook post, citing “multiple meetings with city officials.”
“The city has decided that with the likelihood that the Governor will sign the latest bill into effect this evening, that we will need to be on the side of caution and has required us to make this necessary change,” the post states. “We are obviously upset and disheartened that it has come to this. We also regret to announce that we will have to cancel our plans to bring back our beloved parade.”
Passed by the Florida Legislature on Wednesday, the “Protection of Children” act will go into effect immediately upon receiving the governor’s signature.
The proposal prohibits businesses from admitting children into sexualized events such as drag shows, and restricts local governments from issuing permits for these events. Individuals who violate the law could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and businesses could be stripped of their license.
LGBTQ activists are upset about a new bill that will prohibit children from attending “adult live performances” in Florida (photo: Unsplash).
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS
Many event supporters argued against complying with the law, suggesting that resistance was the more virtuous path.
“This is how the fascists win. Resistance is called for, not surrender,” one man wrote in response to the announcement on Facebook.
Someone else added: “I don't think Stonewall had a permit....just saying!”
Others chimed in with support for the new law and said children do not belong at the event.
One man wrote in all caps: “IT'S OBVIOUS YOUR CANCELLATION JUST SOLIDIFIES THE FACT THAT THE ONLY OBJECTIVE OF THIS SICK ORGANIZATION IS THE GROOMING AND SEXUALIZATION OF CHILDREN....”
“We don't need a gay party in the park for children,” a woman wrote. “Sadly the woke generation is taking it too far.”
