Enhanced penalties for kids at ‘adult live performances’ moves forward

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – A bill to penalize businesses and people who admit children to “adult live performances” moved through the last Senate committee Thursday.

The legislation will authorize Florida to fine, suspend, or revoke the license of any public establishment that admits a child to “adult live performances” that depict or simulate nudity, sexual conduct, or lewd exposure.

The bill also makes it a third degree felony for a person to knowingly admit a child to an adult live performance that depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct or lewd exposure

The bill was introduced by Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, in the Senate and Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, in the House. 

It passed through the Senate Rules Committee Thursday and passed in the Senate Judiciary committee March 21.

“We need to let kids be kids and our laws need to set appropriate boundaries that respect the rights and responsibilities of parents, while protecting children from the serious health, safety, and welfare consequences of being exposed to mature content at young ages,” Yarborough said.

The bill allows the department to suspend or revoke an alcohol beverage license if a child has admitted to a live adult performance.

“We have to take it seriously when a business knowingly admits children to view performances meant for an adult audience,” Yarborough said.

Kevin Parker, who opposed the bill during the Senate Committee on Rules, said he would “feel much safer” leaving his infant niece and two god-children with a drag queen rather than a pastor, a member of law enforcement, “or even” one of the members at the committee.

“Drag is art, drag is culture, drag is dancing, drag is creativity, rag is comedy. Drag is not a crime,” Parker said.

Public Policy Director of Equality Florida John Harris Maurer opposed the bill and said “this is political theater with real life consequences.”

“This bill weaponizes state agencies with the power to politically target LGBTQ friendly businesses using their discretionary authority to fine, revoke liquor licenses, and even shut down those establishments,” Maurer said.

Founder and Executive Director of Christian Family Coalition Anthony Verdugo rose in support of the bill and said if “you’re an adult and you choose” to go to an adult live performance, “that is your business.”

“The government is not going to interfere. But what is being said here is that children should not be allowed on those premises,” Verdugo said.

In early February, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office said the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is “revoking” the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation’s liquor license after a “sexual” drag show permitted entry to minors.

The department said the venue exposed and promoted lewd, obscene, and sexual acts to minors.

They are revoking the Hyatt Regency Miami’s alcohol license for the same reasons, according to an announcement earlier in March.