In a victory for parents and children, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ law banning children from attending “adult live entertainment” events has forced the Megaplex ‘furry’ convention to bar children.
The convention, which is scheduled for September 15-17 in Orlando, caters to the subculture of furries, or people interested in anthropomorphized animals. While the convention is not explicitly sexual in nature, it has been known to feature adult content, including nudity and sexual roleplay.
“After reviewing Florida SB 1438 it has been decided that for legal reasons and protection of our attendees, our venue, and the overall convention, Megaplex 2023 attendees must be 18 years of age at the time of registration pickup,” convention organizers said Wednesday in a statement.
“Furries” are an online subculture of people who like anthropomorphic animal characters, often dressing up in animal costumes.
DeSantis’ law, which was signed into law in April, makes it a crime to “knowingly admit a child to an adult live performance.” The law defines an “adult live performance” as “any live performance that depicts, describes, or exhibits, in a patently offensive way with respect to minors, any of the following:
- Sexual conduct;
- A graphic or explicit depiction of an excretory or sexual organ or a simulation thereof; or
- A person who engages in, simulates, or appears to engage in, any of the foregoing.”
The law has been praised by parents and child advocates, who say it will protect children from being exposed to adult content. However, it has been criticized by some furries, who say it is an infringement on their freedom of expression.
The Megaplex convention organizers have said that they are complying with the law and will not be allowing children under the age of 18 to attend the event. They have also said that they are working to create a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.
DeSantis’ law is a victory for parents and children, and it sends a clear message that Florida will not tolerate the sexualization of minors. The law is also a reminder that parents have the right to protect their children from harmful content.
— Megaplex (@MegaplexCon) May 24, 2023
