Latest news with #MelissaStewart
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Federal appeals court continues to block Florida's drag-show ban as likely unconstitutional
ATLANTA (AP) — An injunction barring the enforcement of Florida's drag-show ban will remain in effect after a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the law is likely unconstitutional. A three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court decision that described Florida's law, purportedly aimed at protecting children from drag shows, as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida, where a federal bench trial can be scheduled. Attorney Melissa Stewart, who is representing Hamburger Mary's, a drag-themed casual-dining restaurant, said they're thrilled the First Amendment rights of Floridians will remain protected as the case continues. 'The Court's opinion recognizes this law for what it is -– an egregiously unconstitutional attempt to censor the speech and expression of citizens,' Stewart said. Brian Wright, a spokesman for the Florida governor's office, called the ruling an overreach by a federal court. 'No one has a constitutional right to perform sexual routines in front of little kids,' Wright said. 'We will do everything possible to have this lawless decision overturned.' The Hamburger Mary's in Orlando, which filed the lawsuit in 2023, regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances on Sundays that children were invited to attend. The restaurant closed its downtown location last year but plans to reopen at a new spot in nearby Kissimmee. The restaurant's owner has said the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech. Championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the law seeks to punish venues for allowing children into what it called 'adult live performances.' Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Federal appeals court continues to block Florida's drag-show ban as likely unconstitutional
An injunction barring the enforcement of Florida 's drag-show ban will remain in effect after a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the law is likely unconstitutional. A three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court decision that described Florida's law, purportedly aimed at protecting children from drag shows, as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida, where a federal bench trial can be scheduled. Attorney Melissa Stewart, who is representing Hamburger Mary's, a drag-themed casual-dining restaurant, said they're thrilled the First Amendment rights of Floridians will remain protected as the case continues. 'The Court's opinion recognizes this law for what it is -– an egregiously unconstitutional attempt to censor the speech and expression of citizens,' Stewart said. Brian Wright, a spokesman for the Florida governor's office, called the ruling an overreach by a federal court. 'No one has a constitutional right to perform sexual routines in front of little kids,' Wright said. 'We will do everything possible to have this lawless decision overturned.' The Hamburger Mary's in Orlando, which filed the lawsuit in 2023, regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances on Sundays that children were invited to attend. The restaurant closed its downtown location last year but plans to reopen at a new spot in nearby Kissimmee. The restaurant's owner has said the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech. Championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the law seeks to punish venues for allowing children into what it called 'adult live performances.' Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Federal appeals court continues to block Florida's drag-show ban as likely unconstitutional
ATLANTA (AP) — An injunction barring the enforcement of Florida's drag-show ban will remain in effect after a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the law is likely unconstitutional. A three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court decision that described Florida's law, purportedly aimed at protecting children from drag shows, as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida, where a federal bench trial can be scheduled. Attorney Melissa Stewart, who is representing Hamburger Mary's, a drag-themed casual-dining restaurant, said they're thrilled the First Amendment rights of Floridians will remain protected as the case continues. 'The Court's opinion recognizes this law for what it is -– an egregiously unconstitutional attempt to censor the speech and expression of citizens,' Stewart said. Brian Wright, a spokesman for the Florida governor's office, called the ruling an overreach by a federal court. 'No one has a constitutional right to perform sexual routines in front of little kids,' Wright said. 'We will do everything possible to have this lawless decision overturned.' The Hamburger Mary's in Orlando, which filed the lawsuit in 2023, regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances on Sundays that children were invited to attend. The restaurant closed its downtown location last year but plans to reopen at a new spot in nearby Kissimmee. The restaurant's owner has said the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the law seeks to punish venues for allowing children into what it called 'adult live performances.' Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Federal appeals court continues to block Florida's drag-show ban as likely unconstitutional
ATLANTA (AP) — An injunction barring the enforcement of Florida's drag-show ban will remain in effect after a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the law is likely unconstitutional. A three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court decision that described Florida's law, purportedly aimed at protecting children from drag shows, as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida, where a federal bench trial can be scheduled. Attorney Melissa Stewart, who is representing Hamburger Mary's, a drag-themed casual-dining restaurant, said they're thrilled the First Amendment rights of Floridians will remain protected as the case continues. 'The Court's opinion recognizes this law for what it is -– an egregiously unconstitutional attempt to censor the speech and expression of citizens,' Stewart said. Brian Wright, a spokesman for the Florida governor's office, called the ruling an overreach by a federal court. 'No one has a constitutional right to perform sexual routines in front of little kids,' Wright said. 'We will do everything possible to have this lawless decision overturned.' The Hamburger Mary's in Orlando, which filed the lawsuit in 2023, regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances on Sundays that children were invited to attend. The restaurant closed its downtown location last year but plans to reopen at a new spot in nearby Kissimmee. The restaurant's owner has said the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech. Championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the law seeks to punish venues for allowing children into what it called 'adult live performances.' Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Santa Rosa school board votes to bring police officers back to campus
The Brief The Santa Rosa City Schools Board voted 4-2 to approve bringing back School Resource Officers (SROs) to campuses in response to rising violence. The program will cost an estimated $1.8 million, with funding still uncertain, and is slated to begin in July 2025 pending final approval from the City Council. SANTA ROSA, Calif. - Following a series of violent incidents at its high schools, the Santa Rosa School Board voted 4-2 on Tuesday to approve an agreement with the city to bring police officers, known as School Resource Officers (SROs), back to campuses. The decision comes in response to concerns about student safety after several recent violent events, including stabbings and drug overdoses. The vote marks the return of the police officer program, which was suspended in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. The program would be reinstated under a three-year pilot, where officers will be tasked with responding to emergencies and addressing criminal activity on campus. However, funding for the program remains uncertain. Adding one officer to each of the district's five high schools is estimated to cost $1.8 million, with an additional $400,000 needed for equipment and startup costs. The district, already facing a significant budget deficit, is struggling to afford the program. What they're saying During the heated public comment portion of the meeting, parents, teachers, and students shared mixed opinions on the proposal. Many supporters argued that reintroducing SROs is a necessary step to ensure safety. "Families have left this district because of safety," said parent Melissa Stewart. "We know that. We don't need more data or polls. Over the last two years, students and families have begged for this program." Kathryn Howell, President of the Santa Rosa Teachers Association, emphasized that while SROs are not a "sole solution" to school problems, they can be a vital part of the safety team. On the other hand, some opponents raised concerns about the potential for heightened tensions between officers and students. Angel Ortega, a staff member at Elsie Allen High School, questioned the effectiveness of SROs in preventing violence. "SROs are not a guarantee to make schools safer. During school shootings at Uvalde and Parkland, and SROs present at those schools, and still, dozens of students were killed," Ortega said. Omar Medina, a trustee who has been vocal in his opposition to police on campus, voted no. "Police on our campuses? These are our schools, our places of learning. There are many students—whether it be a minority of students—that feel anxiety from officers being there in their presence," Medina said. The decision follows a troubling increase in incidents involving the Santa Rosa Police Department, which has responded to nearly 5,800 calls for service at schools over the last three years. "That's an insane number of incidents on our campuses," said Trustee Mark Kirby. "I think it probably relates in a way that perhaps what we're doing currently on our campuses isn't working, and we need another layer." The district's plan will now go before the Santa Rosa City Council for final approval. If approved, the program is expected to begin in July 2025. The Source KTVU interviews, Santa Rosa City Schools agenda
