ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge on Tuesday heard from both sides in a lawsuit over a new state law that bans businesses from allowing children into certain adult live shows.
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The owner of Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando is suing the state, claiming the law violates its first amendment rights.
The judge said the bill is so broad to him, but it points out specifics geared toward the LGBTQ community. He also asked if parents should make that decision if they want their child to attend drag shows.
READ: Hamburger Mary’s suing DeSantis over recent legislation targeting drag shows
“It is absolutely crucial to stand up for your first amendment right, so a challenge to anybody who’s free speech is a challenge to everybody’s free speech,” said civil rights attorney Brice Timmons. “In this current climate, it is dangerous. It is physically dangerous for people to stand up against this wave of anti LGBT legislation all over the country.”
The judge asked questions about the word “lewd” and the vagueness of the bill.
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The law would fine or suspend the licenses of hotels and restaurants that allow children to attend sexually explicit adult performances.
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