11th Circuit Upholds Florida Drag Show Ban

On August 4, 2026, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, in an 8-5 en banc decision, upheld United States — Florida's Protection of Children Act, which restricts minors from attending adult live performances deemed obscene for them, including many drag shows. The court vacated a lower court's preliminary injunction that had blocked enforcement of the law. The majority, led by Judge Andrew L. Brasher, held that the law is a rational regulation of obscenity and does not violate the First Amendment. Dissenting judges, including Robin S. Rosenbaum and Nancy Abudu, argued the law is unconstitutionally vague and chills protected speech. The ruling is a victory for Governor Ron DeSantis and United States — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who had defended the law. Hamburger Mary s, the restaurant that challenged the law, may appeal to the United States — Supreme Court of the United States.