EFF has long warned about this kind of mission creep: where a law or policy supposedly aimed at public safety is turned into a tool for political retaliation or mass surveillance. Going to a drag show should not mean you forfeit your anonymity. It should not open you up to surveillance. And it absolutely should not land your name in a government database.

If you thought going to a Pride event or drag show was just another night out, think again. If you were in Florida, it might land your name in a government database.

That’s what’s happening in Vero Beach, FL, where the Florida Attorney General’s office has subpoenaed a local restaurant, The Kilted Mermaid, demanding surveillance video, guest lists, reservation logs, and contracts of performers and other staff—all because the venue hosted an LGBTQ+ Pride event.

To be clear: no one has been charged with a crime, and the law Florida is likely leaning on here—the so-called “Protection of Children Act” (which was designed to be a drag show ban)—has already been blocked by federal courts as likely unconstitutional. But that didn’t stop Attorney General James Uthmeier from pushing forward anyway. Without naming a specific law that was violated, the AG’s press release used pointed and accusatory language, stating that "In Florida, we don’t sacrifice the innocence of children for the perversions of some demented adults.” His office is now fishing for personal data about everyone who attended or performed at the event. This should set off every civil liberties alarm bell we have.

Just like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and other bills with misleading names, this isn’t about protecting children. It’s about using the power of the state to intimidate people government officials disagree with, and to censor speech that is both lawful and fundamental to American democracy.

  • hddsx@lemmy.caEnglish
    11·
    4 days ago

    Here are the tapes from that night. Unfortunately, there was catastrophic damage and there is no video footage of that night. And, you won’t believe me, but someone broke into our restaurant and stole all of our paperwork on it too. Here’s the repair bill though

  • Washedupcynic@lemmy.caEnglish
    8·
    4 days ago

    If money weren’t an issue, I would refuse to comply. Bring it, let’s go to court; but that might not be a viable option for small businesses. Even if they could win in court, I imagine if you’re operating on thin margins, it’s too expensive. Only other option would be for venues to do cash at door only for events, no identifying information.