A federal appeals court dealt a significant setback to a Florida drag event by ordering the performance moved indoors and away from a children’s playground just before the “family-friendly” Naples Pridefest.
The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit on Friday sided with the city of Naples, aiming to protect public decency and shield minors from exposure to the controversial show.
The annual Naples Pridefest, scheduled for this weekend at Cambier Park, was set to include a drag queen performance next to a popular playground.
The court’s decision effectively ended plans for the outdoor show adjacent to children’s recreational areas.
“Naples Pride will not be substantially injured by a stay because it can hold the drag performance under the same two permit conditions that applied to the last two performances, in 2023 and 2024,” the court explained, according to BizPac Review.
The ruling pointed out that previous drag shows had been successfully held indoors at the same location.
In April, the Naples City Council voted 5-2 to move the event indoors and restrict attendance to adults, citing concerns about the event’s proximity to children.
The council’s decision reflected public concerns over exposing minors to adult-themed entertainment.