Florida can now enforce a state law aimed at preventing children from attending what it defines as “sexually explicit” live performances, following a new ruling from a federal appeals court.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a lower court order that had blocked enforcement of the law for the past two years. In an order issued on December 15, the court said the state may enforce the 2023 law statewide, except against Hamburger Mary’s, the Orlando-based venue that challenged the law’s constitutionality.
The appeals court’s decision was influenced by a June ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that limited the use of universal injunctions, which previously allowed judges to block enforcement of laws for parties not directly involved in a case.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the ruling in a post on X. “For two years, our law preventing children from attending sexually explicit drag shows was held up in court. Starting today, the law is in effect thanks to a win on appeal by our office. If you’re exposing children to lewd conduct, you’re on notice. We’re watching, Pensacola.”