Court Orders Florida Drag Show Indoors Over Child Safety Concerns

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. 

Naples Pride and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged the restrictions in court, obtaining a preliminary injunction from a judge sympathetic to their position.

The appeals court ruling reverses that preliminary injunction, affirming the city’s authority to regulate the event to protect children.

“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, praising the ruling as a victory for families and public decency.

Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending religious freedom and traditional values, hailed the decision as a “win for decency.”

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), a candidate for Florida governor, also welcomed the ruling. 

His wife, Erika Donalds, took to social media to applaud the city and advocacy groups for safeguarding children’s well-being.

“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 wrote in a post on X.

Following the ruling, the drag show was relocated to the Norris Center, an indoor venue seating 200 guests per show. 

Three performances were scheduled, with seating offered on a first-come, first-served basis and donations accepted, according to local reports.

Naples Pride confirmed that the larger festival would proceed as planned outdoors at Cambier Park on Saturday, inviting attendees to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“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,” the organization said in a statement. 

“Because no matter what anyone says: Pride is happening. Pride is joyful. Pride belongs here — and so do you.” 

The case highlights ongoing cultural conflicts over public decency, children’s exposure to adult content and the balance between freedom of expression and community standards.

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