Naples PrideFest lawsuit advances as judge questions event restrictions

A federal judge is allowing a lawsuit over restrictions at last year's Naples PrideFest to proceed. The case contests rules that moved drag performances indoors, limited them to adults, and imposed high security fees.

A new 36-page order from the federal court does not determine if the city broke the law. However, it indicates that Naples Pride has presented sufficient facts to suggest the restrictions might have been influenced by opposition to the event rather than genuine safety concerns.

Naples Pride's Executive Director Cori Craciun expressed that the court's decision supports the group's longstanding concerns.

"You cannot charge somebody you know higher security fees than you would charge other events just because of their messaging. That's unconstitutional," said Craciun.

She emphasized that the goal is for the festival to be treated like any other event.

"I would hope that they would seize this, they would see that they in the wrong and they would just let our festival go forward without the restrictions and without imposing those astronomical security fees," said Craciun.

Opinions in the community vary on the issue.

"The city has an obligation, especially in regards to sex and morality. Kids shouldn't be faced with that situation. That's something that you should do in your private you know, situation, not for kids to see it," said Hector Prosperity, a Naples resident.

Others believe the city was simply prioritizing safety.

"I think, if the city was opposed to the event, they would have denied [it] in the first place, right, not rearrange in, in a different format, if you will. I think what they what they thought and what they prioritize, was the safeness of the of the people around," said Daniele Varra, another Naples resident.

The City of Naples declined to comment on matters related to active litigation.

As the legal battle continues, community members express hope for increased understanding.

"Part of me hopes that they'll see the beauty and the culture going on in there, and they'll their mind will be just a little bit more open than it was before," said Rue Murphy, an LGBTQ+ member.

Naples PrideFest's executive director plans on hosting the event this April. They intend to apply for their permit next Wednesday and will hold a rally beforehand at 7:30 am.