Pride festival increases age requirement to 21 after Republican bill clears Legislature

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (FLV) – A pride festival announced it would require attendees be 21 years or older after Florida Republicans moved forward with a bill to prohibit minors from attending “adult live performances.”

Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast said the city suggested the group “be on the side of caution” for when Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill that would penalize businesses and governments that admit kids to performances depicting sexual conduct.

The group also said it would need to cancel the parade plans.

“We are obviously upset and dishearten 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,” event organizers said.

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

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.

Violating the rules would result in a first degree misdemeanor, according to the bill.

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.

Fine said on the House floor that parents who bring their children will not be penalized for taking their kids to “adult live performances.”