Florida Governor’s Office Files Complaint Against Hotel for Drag Show
The Hyatt Regency Miami has found itself in hot water after the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed an administrative complaint against the hotel for hosting a Christmas-themed drag show. The complaint alleged that the performance was “sexually explicit,” and that children were present for the “lewd, vulgar and indecent” display. The hotel, however, has defended itself, stating that the programming and ticketing at the venue were managed by a third party and that the hotel’s role was to serve food and beverages.
The complaint says that the state warned the hotel ahead of the Dec. 27 performance to stop children from attending, but the hotel only made it a recommendation and allowed minors who went with adults. It also alleged that performers simulated sex acts and exposed “prosthetic female breasts.” As a result of the complaint, the hotel’s liquor license remains active as the complaint is being reviewed.
This is not the first time that Governor Ron DeSantis has filed complaints against venues hosting drag shows. The governor is known for his aggressive defense of conservative causes and has marketed his administration as a blueprint for strong Republican leadership as he considers a challenge to former President Donald Trump in 2024. DeSantis has championed other landmark conservative priorities that his critics have dismissed as anti-LGBTQ, including a law that bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
The Republican governor’s office issued a statement regarding the hotel’s liquor license, saying that “Governor DeSantis stands up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida.” On Tuesday, Florida Republicans advanced a measure that expands on the controversial law that critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The new bill would bar school lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity through the eighth grade. It would also ban school requirements on the use of pronouns that don’t correspond to the person’s sex at birth. Another bill would restrict venues from allowing children to attend drag shows if they have sexual content.
While the controversy continues to stir debate on both sides, it is clear that the issue is far from settled. The battle between conservative values and LGBTQ rights continues to rage on in Florida, as well as across the country, with no clear resolution in sight.