Florida Senate votes to increase penalties if kids attend ‘adult live performances’

Published Apr. 11, 2023, 2:54 p.m. ET | Updated Apr. 11, 2023

2023 Spring UWRF Drag Show, March 31, 2023. (Photo/Andrew Iverson)
2023 Spring UWRF Drag Show, March 31, 2023. (Photo/Andrew Iverson)

Amber Jo Cooper contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Senate approved a bill 28-12 that increases penalties if kids are allowed at performances that depict sexual conduct or lewd exposure.

Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, sponsored the legislation. The House version is still working through the committee process.

“Our children are highly valued and parents want to ensure they are protected,” Yarborough said. “We are protecting children who again cannot unsee, un-hear, or un-experience things to which they are exposed.”

Critics believe the legislation targets the transgender and LGBTQ communities while bill supporters maintain that it protects children.

Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, voted against the bill.

“Let’s stop calling bills parental rights and let’s call them what they really are, when you’re muzzling a certain group of people and it’s for a certain group of parents and not all groups of parents,” Jones said.

The legislation would 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.

It allows the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to suspend or revoke an alcohol beverage license if a child has admitted to one of these performances.

The Senate also approved an amendment to prohibit state or local entities from issuing permits for a person to conduct an “adult live performance” in front of children. The person who issued the permit or provided authorization could be charged with a first degree misdemeanor.

In early February, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office said the department 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.

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

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