Appeals court upholds Florida ban on children at drag shows

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Trending on The Hill - August 6, 2026

Trending on The Hill - August 6, 2026

A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a Florida law banning children from attending drag shows, ruling the state can enforce the measure after a lower court blocked its enforcement on First Amendment grounds.

In an 8-5 ruling, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit reversed a preliminary injunction that prevented Florida from enforcing the 2023 law, concluding the state is likely to prevail against claims that the measure violates the Constitution.

The Protection of Children Act, signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), authorizes fines and criminal penalties for venues that admit children to drag shows and other live adult performances, even if a parent or guardian consents. 

“The act is a straight forward........

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