Key Takeaways:
- Liberty Counsel is helping parents in Collier County stop a drag show near a playground.
- Naples Pride wants to hold the event, but parents say it’s inappropriate for kids.
- Florida law bans such shows near children, and Liberty Counsel is joining the legal fight.
- The City of Naples hasn’t strongly defended against the event, frustrating parents.
A Legal Battle to Protect Kids in Florida
Parents in Florida are stepping up to stop a drag show planned near a children’s playground, calling it inappropriate for kids. Liberty Counsel, a legal group, is now joining the fight to protect children from what they call an “obscene performance.”
What’s Happening in Naples
Naples Pride, an LGBT group, wants to hold a drag show in a public park close to a playground. They argue it’s family-friendly, but photos from similar events show performers doing things that many find unfit for children. These acts include lewd poses, simulated sexual actions, and asking kids for money like in a bar. Liberty Counsel says these scenes are shocking and totally wrong for young eyes.
The Legal Fight Heats Up
Liberty Counsel first got involved by filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the case Naples Pride v. City of Naples. Now, they’re asking to officially join the case to give parents a stronger voice. They argue that the City of Naples hasn’t done enough to stop the event, especially by not using Florida’s “Protection of Children Act” of 2023. This law clearly bans public drag shows where kids can see them.
A federal judge recently blocked part of this law for one Florida agency, but that decision is being appealed. Liberty Counsel says the law still stands and should be used to stop the drag show.
Why This Matters for Families
Liberty Counsel explains that Florida law protects children from being exposed to harmful content. They believe the City of Naples has failed to defend this law in court. The group says the city hasn’t even talked about how the drag show could harm kids or suggested that such performances have limited First Amendment protection when children are involved.
Liberty Counsel’s leader, Mat Staver, says, “The First Amendment doesn’t protect obscene drag shows near a playground. Florida law bans it outright. We’re stepping in to give parents a stronger defense and protect kids from inappropriate content.”
What the City Has Done So Far
The Naples City Council initially tried to move the event indoors and away from kids. But Naples Pride insisted on holding it near the playground. The city also argued that the park has rules about where and when events can happen, but they haven’t taken a strong stand against the drag show.
The Bigger Picture
This case is part of a larger debate about what’s appropriate for children in public spaces. Liberty Counsel says they’re fighting to protect kids and give parents more say in what their children are exposed to. They believe the law is on their side and that restricting such events near playgrounds is reasonable.
Conclusion
The fight to stop the drag show near the playground in Naples is far from over. Liberty Counsel is now officially joining the battle, arguing that the law and common sense are on their side. They’re determined to protect children from content they believe is harmful and inappropriate.
As this case continues, it will be important to see how the court balances the rights of all parties involved. For now, Liberty Counsel and concerned parents are making it clear that they won’t back down in their efforts to safeguard children.