The U.S. state government in Florida announced Wednesday that it is opening an investigation into a Christmas-themed drag show after receiving «multiple complaints» that the performance was «sexually explicit» even though it had been «advertised for children.»
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has detailed that it is actively investigating the matter, including video footage and photographs of the event, warning that it «will take action,» as reported by ‘The Hill’.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ press secretary, Bryan Griffin, has detailed that the department plans to collect any evidence disseminated on social media in its investigation, which involves the Broward City Performing Arts Center, the venue that hosted the drag queen show.
The center could lose its license to sell alcohol and its ability to operate as a business in Florida, according to the statement from the state executive, although so far they have not contacted the center, as detailed by a worker of the Broward Center in statements collected by the aforementioned media.
According to the worker, the entrance to ‘A Drag Queen Christmas’, a performance held on December 26, was limited to customers over 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent.
Also, to ensure that viewers were aware of the show’s adult themes and content, ticket buyers were informed directly via email.
The email warned that minors should be excluded from the performance, as it was «sexual in nature».
The DBPR investigation is the latest in a series of moves by Republican leaders, including DeSantis, to crack down on drag performances accused of being sexually explicit and inappropriate for young audiences, according to ‘The Hill’.
In July, DeSantis filed a complaint against R House, a Miami restaurant, after it hosted a drag event at which children were present, citing a 1947 state Supreme Court ruling that declares that «men who impersonate women» in a «suggestive and indecent» manner constitute a public nuisance.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
