Judge Blocks Naples Drag Show Restrictions Amid Criticism

Federal Judge John Steele upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the city of Naples, Florida, from enforcing restrictions that would have confined a planned outdoor drag show at Naples PrideFest to indoors and barred attendees under 18. The city had appealed the injunction and sought a stay, both of which Steele rejected, allowing the all-ages, outdoor event to proceed at Cambier Park on June 7. Steele ruled that the restrictions likely violated First Amendment rights and noted that Cambier Park's status as a traditional public forum heightened speech protections. He further stated that even if the park were a limited public forum, the city's rules were not content or viewpoint neutral. Governor Ron DeSantis and Rep. Byron Donalds criticized the decision and vowed continued opposition, while Naples Pride's legal team maintained that drag performances are constitutionally protected. The ruling comes amid ongoing legal disputes over anti-drag legislation in Florida, with courts repeatedly affirming First Amendment safeguards for such events.