Florida Attorney General James Usmierer summoned a record of the popular Vero Beach restaurant, Quilted Mermaid, as part of his June 29th investigation into “Pride Tea Dance.”
Uthmeier’s office alleges that the restaurant allowed “adult sexual performers in front of children” and allegedly violated Florida’s blocked law drug shows and other “adult live performances.”
We will announce the probe xUthmeier writes: He said his office summoned the owner of the quilt mermaid and Vice Mayor of Vero Beach, Linda Moore, to testify and provide documents related to the event.
The subpoena Moore must respond by August 8th asks for security videos up to June 29th, employee work schedules for June 28th to 30th, booking logs, guest lists and documents identifying performers and security staff.
The subpoena did not specify which law the quilted mermaid violated, and Uthmeier’s office did not respond to questions from NBC News, WPTV, or the Associated Press regarding the legal basis for the investigation.
NBC News The probe reports that it was prompted by a complaint from Jennifer Pippin, who heads the local branch of Moms for the anti-gay organization Liberty. The group is known for promoting a book ban and opposing LGBTQ representatives. Some members have submitted police reports against those who did not censor such material.
In a social media post, Pippin complained to the Attorney General’s office and accused the restaurant of violating Florida’s “protective conduct.”
The law imposes and threatens minors with fines and hosting adult themed shows that allow minors to attend without losing their business and liquor licenses. It also allows first-degree misdemeanor charges against those who allow children on such shows, with fines of up to $1,000 and a one-year prison penalty. Critics call it a “no drug” and refers to statements from lawmakers who supported the bill, which expressed hostility towards drug and LGBTQ visibility.
The law is blocked by federal judges, and even the conservative 11th Circuit Court of Appeals admits it could be “overloaded,” “unacceptably ambiguous,” and unconstitutional. It is being challenged in a lawsuit filed by Orlando’s Hamburger Marys. It hosts a family-friendly drug brunch and is awaiting trial in the Central Florida district.
Pippin, who called for Moore to step down as deputy mayor, told NBC News that she had no idea that the law was blocked when she filed a complaint. She said the Attorney General’s office told her other state laws restrict “live adult performances.” She didn’t attend the event, but Pippin cited social media photos and videos.
“We must protect the innocence of our children at every cost from living adult entertainment shows,” she said.
Moore claims she and her restaurant did nothing wrong.
“We have an event every year. It’s our gay pride event, and it’s all ages,” Moore told NBC News. “This is a family-friendly event, and once the drug show actually starts, we tell parents with small children that they can’t stay on the show.”
Some parents want to stay, so Moore maintains a policy that requires drug acts to be “really tamed.” She said performances could be “small risqué” when all the kids leave, but still, there’s no nude.
Moore disputes Pippin’s claim, saying he has no children late at night. She said during the family-friendly part of the event, photos shared by the children were taken when they were still photographed outdoors when the children were sharing. She also pointed out that the photos of the lingerie performers, offered as “proof” for the sexual show, were taken later that night with adults only portions, without showing children to the audience.
Attorney Glenn Torsivia told WPTV that it might be difficult for prosecutors to file charges against Moore, even if they have children. He added that such complaints are usually handled by local governments rather than by the Attorney General.
That may indicate that there is a greater motivation or ideology that spurs investigations.
“From a legal perspective, I don’t think this is far at all, but it produces a lot of publicity,” Tosivia said.
He warned that actions against Moore and quilted mermaids could provide serious first amendments, including freedom of speech and freedom of unity.
“People have the freedom to attend events they want to attend and choose to go to the show with their kids. That’s their freedom and they’re choosing,” he said.
Moore said that quilted mermaids are not gay bars, but they welcome everyone and will continue to host events that include LGBTQ.
“We are committed to supporting everyone in our community as usual, and gay pride continues and drag queen bingo continues,” Moore told NBC News. “Nothing has changed for us.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
