Miami – Gov. Ron DeSantis said it should be up to parents whether or not their children comply with public health measures during the pandemic. But when videos show kids performing as drag queens, parental rights don’t come to mind.
Attorney Nicole Alvarez is among the critics who have called out DeSantis for the conflict. R House, a restaurant and lounge, has a gallery and event space for art exhibitions in Wynwood, Miami. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the arena features a “Drag Extravaganza.”
DeSantis said he was targeting R’s home to protect his children, but some parents like Alvarez, who see the drag as a form of artistic expression, say that’s not the call.
advertisement
“If I choose to bring my daughter to a drag show, this business is going to be penalized for my choice. I mean, I don’t see the connection,” DeSantis added. Alvarez has always said, “parents have the right to choose for their children, private businesses have the right to run their business as they see fit. Honestly, this is overkill.” It’s a jam.”
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Services has threatened to revoke the R’s liquor license for violating “public morals.” DeSantis mentioned the children’s menu.
Despite federal public health officials recommending the implementation of face masks and Covid-19 vaccines, DeSantis said the mandate will not happen in Florida. He opposed restrictions on businesses during the pandemic.
“Together we have made Florida the freest state in these United States,” DeSantis said during his State of the State address as he kicked off the 2022 legislative session in Tallahassee. “While many around the country have given up the public’s right to a cemetery, Florida has remained a bulwark of liberty.
advertisement
DeSantis has signed a bill that restricts public education related to gender identity or sexual orientation, banning transgender girls from playing school sports. Alvarez said DeSantis made no sense.
“It’s just free for some,” Alvarez said.
DeSantis spokesman Brian Griffin issued a statement calling the drag shows “loosely sexual” and dismissed the criticism as only coming from political opponents.
“Parents are not the subject of this complaint,” Griffin wrote. It is the restaurant that markets sexually explicit dancing to children, as stated on their children’s menu. And, as the governor said, that’s not appropriate and the state of Florida is not going to facilitate that.
Alex Fernandez, who performs under the stage name Maritrini R House, says R House drag shows are an artistic expression and are not sexually explicit.
advertisement
State officials also cited the show as a problem.
They are good dancers. They are talented actors and actresses. It is an insult to them to be called a nuisance and to belittle their art,” Alvarez said.
Allison Davis, who was visiting Wynwood from Atlanta, Georgia, said maybe the business owners could impose age restrictions to avoid harassment.
R Homeowners have hired a lawyer to help them deal with state officials.
“Governor DeSantis, who is a strong supporter and champion of Florida’s hospitality industry and small businesses, sees this for what it is, a misunderstanding and we hope the matter is resolved positively and quickly,” the business owners said. press release.
See the 4:30 pm report
Watch the report at 6 o’clock in the evening
View an archived report
Local 10 News reporter Christian De La Rosa contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 by WPLG Local10.com – All Rights Reserved.
