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☆ Florida's political climate is driving away thousands of visitors and millions of dollars
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Nobody knows.”Construction of an 801-room Omni hotel alongside the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 22, 2022. Broward County, which invested $1.5 billion in the expansion and renovation of its convention center, has not seen the future bookings it anticipated. In Tampa, the city’s largest convention center hasn’t seen any events cut bait. National Society of Black Engineers members attend the first day of the organization's 49th Annual Convention, which took place from March 22-26 in Kansas City, Missouri. The NSBE recently announced plans to move its 50th annual convention from Orlando, citing the political climate, travel advisories and recently passed laws.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, ”, Stacy Ritter, “, Ritter, Rebecca Blackwell, Grace Hopper, AERA, Tony Pals, Phelan M, Mark Tester, ” Juan Lopez, Jeremy Redfern, ” Redfern, Janeen Uzzell, Bill, Laxmi Ramasubramanian, Petra Doan, Doan, ” Doan, Jack Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr, Bill ”, we’ve, ” Johnson, Glenn Ross, Johnson, Lauderdale’s Ritter, Nadine Smith, ‘, ” Smith Organizations: Minneapolis CNN, Republican Florida Gov, Sunshine State, Lauderdale, Democratic, Omni, Broward County Convention, Orlando’s Orange County Convention, Society of Black Engineers, Research, of periOperative, Global, CNN, Orange County Convention, AP, AORN, Tampa Convention, Tampa, Comic Convention, “, Math Association of America, MAA, National Society of Black Engineers, NAACP, National Urban League, Black Power, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, Florida State University, Destinations International, Arizona, Indy, Associated, Getty, Equality Locations: Minneapolis, Florida, Lauderdale, Broward County , Florida, Broward County, Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Broward, Orlando’s Orange County, United States, Orlando after Florida, Orange County, Orlando, Tampa, Orlando , Florida, Kansas City , Missouri, “, Miami, Maine, Arizona , Indiana, North Carolina, Indiana, Associated Press, California, Tennessee, Texas, Equality Florida

☆ Despite Battle Over Politics, Florida Tourism Rolls On
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Tariro Mzezewa | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At Disney World that day, you would never have known that the League of United Latin American Citizens, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the L.G.B.T.Q. organization Equality Florida had all recently issued warnings telling people to reconsider coming to Florida because of the policies of Gov. I had traveled to Florida in the wake of the N.A.A.C.P.’s advisory to see whether the warnings had any effect. In fact, several travelers said that they visited Disney and certain parts of Florida to get away from politics. “Coming to Disney, especially, is like entering a safe zone,” ‌‌Stephanie Kate Jones, who was visiting the park from Wales in the United Kingdom, told me.

Persons: Jean Franco Rivera’s, Ahmed, Luis, ‌ Jean Franco, Jean Franco’s, Ron DeSantis, Stephanie Kate Jones, ” Organizations: Disney World, Galaxy, Disney, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association for, Advancement of Colored People, Gov Locations: Puerto Rico, Texas, Orlando, Florida, Wales, United Kingdom

☆ A federal judge says Florida's new anti-drag law threatens free speech and can't be enforced, at least for now
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Charles R. Davis | Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A federal judge is blocking enforcement of Florida's new law on drag shows. The judge ruled the language is overly vague and threatens free speech. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill, SB 1438, that he said was designed to protect children from sexually explicit drag shows. The drag law, by contrast, "is specifically designed to suppress the speech of drag queen performers," Presnell wrote, pointing to a bill sponsor's claim that the law would put an end to "Drag Queen Story Time," which entails no sexually explicit content. Presnell's ruling marks the third time this month that a judge has struck down portions of DeSantis' anti-LGBTQ agenda.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, Judge Gregory A, Presnell, Bill Clinton, DeSantis, Jeremy Redfern, Brandon Wolf, Walt, Robert Hinkle, Clinton, Nikki Fried Organizations: Service, Florida, Florida Gov, Court, Middle, Department of Business, Miami Herald, Walt Disney World, Democratic Party of Locations: Florida, Orlando, Hamburger, Middle District, Democratic Party of Florida

☆ N.A.A.C.P. Issues Florida Travel Advisory, Joining Latino and L.G.B.T.Q. Groups
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Jesus Jiménez | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Florida, saying that under Gov. Ron DeSantis the state has become “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and L.G.B.T.Q.+ individuals.”The N.A.A.C.P. joins the League of United Latin American Citizens, a civil rights organization that issued a Florida travel warning on Wednesday, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group that issued one last month. The N.A.A.C.P.’s travel advisory does not explicitly recommend against travel to Florida. said in a statement on Saturday that the travel advisory was in “direct response to Gov.

☆ The NAACP has warned Black people planning to visit Gov. Ron DeSantis' Florida that they would be traveling to a 'hostile' environment
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Major civil rights organization issues a travel advisory for Black people planning to visit Florida. Ron DeSantis and his administration have overseen a swathe of controversial laws and policies. It took aim at "Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools." The travel advisory warns that those traveling to the state should be aware that "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals." The advisory also described DeSantis and his Florida government as on a "seeming quest to silence African-American voices."

☆ DeSantis signs slew of anti-transgender rights measures into law, affecting bathrooms, healthcare, and pronouns
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

DeSantis signed three anti-trans bills into law ahead of an anticipated 2024 run. Though he decried LGBTQ+ material and called for "normalcy" for minors, children stood next to him onstage during the bills' signings. Another bill DeSantis signed into law Wednesday prevents doctors from offering treatments such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgery — such as breast removal — to transgender minors, even in cases where parents consent. The legislation — officially known as the Parental Rights in Education Act — was panned by LGBTQ+ rights organizations as "Don't Say Gay." But a bill DeSantis signed into law Wednesday went even further to eradicate such teachings so they only happen in the limited curriculum parameters after eighth grade.

CNN —From statehouses to the presidential campaign trail, Republicans are escalating their political attacks on transgender people – a reflection of what they see as a cultural fight their base is eager to wage. And in recent days, those attacks have turned into new forms of mockery and political retribution, as Republicans seek to turn transgender rights into a flashpoint by seizing on social media controversies and exercising their rule-making power in statehouses where they hold large majorities. “A lot of young trans people are worried that their medication is going to get pulled,” she said of legislation targeting health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care. Transgender rights activists protest outside the House chamber at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City on February 6, 2023. That is not a transgender person,” Haley said of Mulvaney as the crowd nodded.

☆ Florida education board to vote on extending ban on gender identity lessons
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Joseph Ax | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Hillsborough High School students protest a Republican-backed bill dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" that would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure Democrats denounced as being anti-LGBTQ, in Tampa, Florida, U.S., March 3, 2022. The state board of education, whose members are appointed by the governor, will vote on the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, according to the agenda. Critics, including LGBTQ advocates and President Joe Biden, a Democrat, have termed it the "Don't Say Gay" law and said it marginalizes LGBTQ students. Brandon Wolf, a spokesperson for Equality Florida, an LGBTQ advocacy group, said DeSantis is targeting LGBTQ students to boost his national political fortunes. A spokesperson for DeSantis referred questions to the state department of education.

☆ Florida expands Gov. Ron DeSantis' so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law to all grade levels
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Florida's Board of Education approved expanding the rules of the so-called "Don't Say Gay" law through 12th grade. Currently, the state bans lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through 3rd grade. Ron DeSantis requested expanding the ban as he gears up for an expected presidential run. The current law is also the root of an ongoing feud with Disney, one of the state's largest employers and political donors. DeSantis has directed the chief inspector general to investigate the Disney board's move and vowed to take additional revenge against the company through legislation.

☆ Florida LGBTQ rights group issues travel warning telling the queer community it may no longer be safe to move to or visit the state
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Florida's largest LGBTQ advocacy group issued a travel advisory on Wednesday. Equality Florida warned LGBTQ individuals against visiting or moving to the state. The advisory is an "unprecedented" response to a slate of "hateful" laws and policies in Florida, it said. Equality Florida said that issuing the travel advisory was an "unprecedented" move and a response to a slate of "hateful" laws and policies signed by Gov. Last month, the NAACP Florida State Conference voted unanimously in favor of asking the NAACP Board of Directors to issue a travel advisory for the state of Florida.

☆ Florida moves to expand teaching ban on sexual orientation, gender identity
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Sharon Bernstein | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Hillsborough High School students protest a Republican-backed bill dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" that would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure Democrats denounced as being anti-LGBTQ, in Tampa, Florida, U.S., March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Octavio Jones/File PhotoMarch 22 (Reuters) - Florida is looking to expand its ban on teaching young children about sexual orientation and gender identity issues to include all students in its public schools under a new rule set for a vote by the state Board of Education next month. Last year, DeSantis signed a Republican-backed measure that banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. The Florida Department of Education's new proposal, which would not require legislative approval, would extend the ban through the 12th grade. "There is no reason for instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to be part of K-12 public education.

☆ Florida drag queens say venues have started shutting them down after DeSantis pushed to revoke a Hyatt hotel's liquor license
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Florida drag queens say the GOP's push to restrict performances is hitting them in their wallets. But one recent incident is leading, in particular, is leading venues to reconsider offering drag performances, they said. Advocates such as Equality Florida say the incident is an example of the DeSantis administration "selectively weaponizing state agencies" to target drag performers and venues that are not harmful for children. The move is already having a chilling effect, and Adrien said it's helping scare other venues from offering drag performances and pushing drag queens from participating in shows for fear of retaliation. Venus Envy, an Orlando-based drag queen, told Insider drag performers have more recently performed at venues "that are not exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community," such as "mainstream bars, restaurants, and theatres."

☆ A drag queen who survived the Orlando Pulse shooting says Florida's LGBTQ community is 'scared' of further hate following DeSantis' push to revoke a hotel's liquor license
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Lloyd Lee | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A drag queen who survived the 2016 Pulse club shooting said it only further demonizes LGBTQ people. "Not just in terms of limiting opportunities for drag entertainers, but by demonizing the art of drag as a whole," she wrote. Fine told Insider his motivation for pursuing the bill came after he found out a drag queen show was hosted in a public space in his district last year. However, the representative also said he would not support a bill that eliminates drag shows for consenting adults. In Florida, there have been at least nine demonstrations against the LGBTQ community, the organization found.

☆ Drag queens say they tweak their performances if they notice a kid in the crowd. Republicans have cast the performances as dangerous for children.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Florida drag queen said performers adjust shows when there are children and families in the crowd. Republicans have targeted drag events for kids, introducing bills to restrict and prohibit attendance. Family-friendly drag events — such as Drag Queen Story Hour, which was established as a nonprofit in 2015 and has since become a national event — are under fire from Republican lawmakers. Bills prohibiting minors from attending drag queen events, banning drag performances in public, and classifying drag performances as adult-oriented businesses have been filed across the United States in recent months. Another drag queen, Venus Envy, told Insider that while they don't solely participate in family-friendly performances, they are accustomed to "tailoring my shows to my audiences."

☆ DeSantis administration sent undercover agents to an Orlando drag show and they found nothing wrong with it. The state is still trying to punish the venue.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Undercover agents were sent by the DeSantis administration to spy on a drag show, the Miami Herald reported. Still, Florida is moving ahead with a complaint against the venue to strip its liquor license. Ron DeSantis to spy on an Orlando drag show — and they found nothing "lewd" about it, according to the Miami Herald. A Florida drag queen told Insider before the Miami Herald report was published that they were concerned about rumors of undercover state agents showing up at performances. The DeSantis administration recently targeted the Hyatt Regency Miami after one of its facilities hosted "A Drag Queen Christmas" with minors present in the audience.

☆ Florida drag queen says DeSantis-backed anti-LGBTQ laws are 'exactly what we were taught about in schools about how the Nazis rose to power'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

A Florida drag queen compared legislation targeting LGBTQ issues backed by Gov. Other drag queens and local politicians called the administration's efforts "fascism." Florida doesn't feel like home, one drag queen saidAdrien, who was born and raised in South Florida, is now an Orlando-based drag queen and said recent anti-LGBTQ political shifts make the state feel like it's no longer home. 'Those safe spaces will go away'Jason DeShazo is president of Rose Dynasty Foundation Inc. and performs as drag queen Momma Ashley Rose. And both drag queens say they'll still perform.

☆ A rash of proposed Florida laws use 'genocidal rhetoric' to attack trans people, legal experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

If passed, the bills would restrict access to gender-affirming care and classify it as child abuse. Experts told Insider the bills are posturing ahead of the 2024 presidential race. New legislation 'short circuits existing law'The proposed new bills go further to expand anti-trans legislation than others across the nation, disrupting established custody and health care precedent, legal experts told Insider. "I think that's important, just to note how brazen the language has become — it's genocidal rhetoric," Caraballo told Insider. "This is all about politics, and this is all about bolstering DeSantis is run for the presidency," Caraballo told Insider.

☆ A Florida lawmaker thinks the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill doesn't go far enough — and is pitching a major expansion
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Chris Panella | Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Florida GOP state representative filed a proposal expanding the state's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill. The bill, HB 1223, would prohibit instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity up to eighth grade. The bill's creator, GOP Rep. Adam Anderson, said in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel that the bill "promotes parental rights, transparency, and state standards in Florida schools." LGBTQ advocacy groups, such as Equality Florida, condemned the bill. DeSantis and Florida Republicans responded by stripping Disney of its special tax district and taking control of the area around Disney World.

☆ With over 100 anti-LGBTQ bills before state legislatures in 2023 so far, activists say they're 'fired up'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Jo Yurcaba | Jo Yurcaba Is A Reporter For Nbc Out. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +10 min

So far, Texas has taken the lead with 36 such bills, according to Equality Texas, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy group. Four states — Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Arizona — have enacted restrictions on gender-affirming medical care for minors, though federal judges have blocked them from taking effect in Arkansas and Alabama. State Sen. David Bullard, the Republican sponsoring the bill, told The Oklahoman that gender-affirming medical care is a “permanent change in your body that cannot be reversed. Accredited medical associations — including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association — have supported gender-affirming care for minors. Advocates and doctors who treat trans youth have said many of the health care restrictions proposed by state legislators mischaracterize what gender-affirming care is.

☆ Two Florida medical boards advance ban on gender-affirming care for minors
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Zachary Schermele | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Florida’s state medical boards voted Friday afternoon to approve the language of a first-of-its-kind rule banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors who don’t already receive it. The rule updates the medical standards of practice in the state to mostly prohibit health care professionals from starting treatment for gender dysphoria in those younger than 18. Gender dysphoria refers the stress and discomfort some experience when their gender identity doesn’t match their sex assigned at birth. The measure bans the prescription of puberty blockers or hormone therapy to new patients who are minors, and it forbids gender-affirming surgeries. In a statement Friday, Equality Florida said once the rule goes into effect, it will be the only ban in the country of gender-affirming care for minors instituted by a state medical board.

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