Federal court rules against Florida drag show in win for public decency

A federal appeals court has ruled that a Florida drag show must be moved indoors and away from children on the eve of the “family-friendly” event, a big win for public decency.

In a Friday ruling, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit sided with the city of Naples regarding the show, which was set to be held next to a children’s playground at Cambier Park, putting a damper on the annual Naples Pridefest which is being held this weekend.

BREAKING: A United States Appeals Court in Florida has ruled AGAINST Naples Pride after they attempted to host a drag queen event in a public park next to a popular children’s playground.

The Pride festival MUST NOW be held inside and all attendees must be 18+. pic.twitter.com/xPc5FalE27

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 6, 2025

“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 said. The drag queen show has also been held inside for the two previous years.

In April, the Naples City Council voted 5-2 to move the drag event indoors and out of sight of the park, which is popular with families, and to restrict attendance to adults only.

Naples Pride along with the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued the city, with an activist judge granting a preliminary injunction to overturn the restrictions.

(Video: YouTube/Gulf Coast News)

“We’re all celebrating today that our kids are going to be protected—that this drag show is going to happen in private where it should have happened all along,” said Pastor Jeff Donaldson of Christ Community Church, cheering the court’s ruling.

Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit group that defends religious freedom, called the ruling a “win for decency.”

WIN FOR DECENCY! The 11th Circuit granted Naples’ motion to stay, so the Naples Pride drag event will be moved inside, away from the playground, and limited to adults. There’s no such thing as a “family friendly” drag show – obscenity is NOT protected by the First Amendment.

— Liberty Counsel (@libertycounsel) June 6, 2025

Also applauding the court was Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), who is running to be Florida’s next governor after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ second term ends next year.

BREAKING: An appeals court has officially DENIED a drag show from taking place next to a popular children’s playground in Naples.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in this fight over the past month.

This is a huge win for SWFL families, but it never should have come to this. https://t.co/VF4bjZaam3

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) June 6, 2025

“VICTORY. Big win for Naples families! A federal judge granted a stay against Naples Pride, forcing their drag show indoors, protecting children in our beloved park. Thank you, City of Naples, Liberty Counsel, and all of our fellow citizens for fighting for our children!” Erika Donalds, the congressman’s wife, said in a post to X.

VICTORY!
Big win for Naples families! A federal judge granted a stay against Naples Pride, forcing their drag show indoors, protecting children in our beloved park. Thank you, City of Naples, Liberty Counsel, and all of our fellow citizens for fighting for our children!

— Erika Donalds (@ErikaDonalds) June 6, 2025

“The drag show will now take place at the Norris Center. The venue seats 200 guests per show, with three shows scheduled. Naples Pride says seating will be first-come-first-serve and are donation-based,” Fox 4 reported.

“Pridefest will go on as planned this Saturday at Cambier Park. Naples Pride and the ACLU of Florida invite you to bring your flags, your laughter, your joy, your truth, your friends, and your full self. Because no matter what anyone says: Pride is happening. Pride is joyful. Pride belongs here — and so do you,” Naples Pride said in a statement.

Staff Writer

Chris Donaldson is an ordinary American who is concerned about rampant corruption as well as the ongoing attacks on our way of life by those who have contempt for our hard-earned freedoms. A Navy veteran, he has been a frequent contributor to conservative websites and resides in Florida.

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