Tampa Pride Cancels Event Over New Anti-Drag Law

Tampa’s NBC affiliate reports:

A pride event in downtown Tampa was cancelled after a bill concerning “adult live performances” was signed into law Wednesday. On Thursday, Tampa Pride President Carrie West confirmed that the organization will not host its Pride on the River event this year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB-1438, titled “Protection of Children,” into law in Tampa on Wednesday. The bill allows the state to “fine, suspend, or revoke the license of any public lodging establishment or public food service establishment if the establishment admits a child to an adult live performance.”

Organizers were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to restrict who sees the performances since the event takes place in such a large, open area. Rather than risk the licenses of participating businesses, organizers canceled the event altogether.

Read the full article.