The 7th annual Naples Pride Fest returns to Cambier Park on Saturday, and the event is expected to draw protesters, an increase in police, and continued legal challenges despite being promoted as a family-friendly event.
“We're going to block the park. That's right. You're not going to sit. You're not going to display that type of thing for the kids, and that's that,” said Darren Aquino, a Naples resident leading a group behind a lawsuit opposing the event’s outdoor drag performances.
Aquino claims the show, which requires event admission to attend, has a “disproportionate effect” on children with disabilities. His federal lawsuit remains pending, which is focused on the City, City Council, and the Governor's handling of the situation. He said an appeal is ready if the judge denies the current motion.
"The disabled are voiceless, but not today. I will continue to be that voice, and we'll fight this fight," Aquino said.
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.
Johnny Fratto, a Florida House candidate, claimed, “There’s no other reason to want to dance nearly naked in a sexually provocative way in front of little kids. Why would we put our children around predators? That's not right."
Other groups, including religious organizations with the newly formed Forward for Families, plan to hold a prayer service during the event and peacefully gather. Jeff Donaldson, senior pastor at Christ Community Church Naples, said some members of his congregation will be among those demonstrating.
“We’ve been at the park praying, we’ve called for some days of prayer and fasting. We’ll be there praying again. We don’t want that public drag queen show. That’s what we don’t want," said Donaldson.
The City of Naples confirmed a security plan is in place for Saturday’s event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has a $10 general admission. The Naples Police Department provided the following statement to Gulf Coast News:
“In regard to the upcoming Pridefest event, our security plans are set in place. Our primary mission is to keep peace and safeguard all people present. The First Amendment guarantees people the right to peaceably assemble, express and protest, regardless of viewpoint. A fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States to all who live in this nation is the equal protection under the law. Moreover, the First Amendment does not protect violence or unlawful conduct. Our role is clear to preserve peace, prevent crime, and protect the rights of all involved, attendees and protestors alike," said Chief Ciro M. Dominguez.
The festival is scheduled to take place at Cambier Park in Naples on Saturday.
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