The DeSantis administration in Florida is taking action against a major Miami hotel, the Hyatt Regency, for hosting a drag queen show that was sexually explicit in nature and had children present in December of last year. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation had issued a warning to the hotel, but it went ahead with the event regardless.
As a result, the Department has revoked the hotel’s license for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The show, called “A Drag Queen Christmas,” featured performers with prosthetic breasts and genitals, who rubbed their breasts on the faces of audience members, simulated masturbation, and had graphic depictions of childbirth and/or abortion.
The event was promoted by the hotel using Christmas-themed materials, but it did not warn of the sexually explicit content. The materials also indicated that “all ages were welcome.” After the hotel was warned against having children at the event, the promotional materials were updated to include a disclaimer that the show was “recommended for audiences 18+,” but children were still allowed to attend if accompanied by an adult.
The DeSantis administration’s move to revoke the hotel’s liquor license is based on the premise that sexually explicit content is not appropriate to display to children, and doing so violates Florida law. Governor DeSantis has stood up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida, according to the statement issued by his office.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of drag queens in children’s events. While some argue that it is a way to promote tolerance and diversity, others believe that it exposes children to sexual content that is not appropriate for their age group.
This is not the first time that a drag queen show has caused controversy in Florida. In 2019, the city of Tampa canceled a Drag Queen Story Hour event that was scheduled to take place at a local library after receiving complaints from concerned parents.
The DeSantis administration’s move to revoke the Hyatt Regency Miami’s liquor license is a clear signal that sexually explicit content is not appropriate for children and will not be tolerated in the state of Florida
