A new twist in the Naples Pridefest saga has emerged. Another lawsuit was filed in federal court on Friday.
This one, filed by Naples resident and CEO of Advocates for Disabled Americans, Veterans, Police, Firemen & Families Darren Aquino, claims the festival's drag shows pose a risk to disabled children., claims the festival's drag shows pose a risk to disabled children.
Aquino says in the amended complaint that he is the father of a disabled child, and the performances should not take place in a public park. He is also a former congressional candidate for District 19, which covers Lee County and parts of Collier County.
The complaint reads in part, "The Court cannot ignore the constitutionally and medically documented harm caused to children—particularly developmentally disabled children, by exposure to sexually explicit, suggestive, or adult-themed content in public spaces."
On May 12, Judge John Steele ruled that the "family-friendly" drag show is expressive conduct that is considered free speech, the First Amendment applies to a local government, and that the permit's indoor location with age restrictions also violates the First Amendment. Steele also found that Naples Pride established that it would suffer irreparable harm if it did not get a preliminary injunction.
On May 28, a federal judge denied an emergency motion from the Naples City Council to prevent outdoor drag shows.
Naples Pridefest is scheduled to take place on June 7 in Cambier Park.
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