Florida city announces cancellation of St. Pat’s parade over bill that targets DEI initiatives

A Republican-backed law went too far, according to a Florida city that claims it can no longer host St. Patrick’s Day or Pride parades.

Delray Beach officials announced the city is “legally prohibited” from allowing the parades, citing restrictions on “certain programming and activities designed or implemented with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“Following a review of the legislation and its requirements, the City has determined that it is legally prohibited from organizing, funding, or promoting these events in 2027,” the city said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The City recognizes that these annual events have provided opportunities for members of the community to gather, celebrate, and connect. We appreciate the residents, participants, volunteers, and community partners who have contributed to these events over the years,” the statement added.

Florida Senate Bill 1134 seeks to restrict local governments from “funding, promoting or taking official action related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives,” Fox News Digital reported.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill after it passed both chambers of the GOP-controlled state legislature largely along party lines, Fox added.

Bill 1134 will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

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Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney said he’s received backlash over the decision to cancel the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“This bill puts severe restrictions on how cities can pay for community events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade along with potentially other city-sponsored events,” Carney stated in a Facebook post.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade isn’t just another parade. It’s ingrained in the DNA of the Delray Beach community,” he continued, claiming the city is “working feverishly with multiple entities to ensure the 2027 St. Patrick’s Day parade goes on as scheduled!”

“For those who live, work & play in Delray, we want the Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day parade to stay!” Carney added.

Some see Delray’s decision to cancel the parade as purely political.

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The legislation reportedly “carves out exceptions for holidays designated by federal law, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day,” according to Fox Digital, which has not yet gotten a response from DeSantis.

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