New DEI law forces Florida city to cancel St Patrick's Day parade and Pride event
A city in the US state of Florida says it cannot host its annual St Patrick's Day Parade or Pride event in 2027 because of a new Republican-backed state law restricting local governments from funding, promoting or taking official action related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Officials in Delray Beach announced the decision on Tuesday, citing restrictions on certain programming and activities designed or implemented with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a statement, the city said that following a review of the legislation and its requirements, it had determined that it is legally prohibited from organising, funding or promoting these events in 2027.
The statement added that the city recognises these annual events have provided opportunities for members of the community to gather, celebrate and connect, and thanked the residents, participants, volunteers and community partners who have contributed to the events over the years.
Florida Senate Bill 1134 passed both chambers of the Republican-controlled state legislature largely along party lines before being signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in April. The law is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.
The law prohibits counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI initiatives, directly or indirectly, or taking certain official actions related to them, including adopting ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, programmes or policies.
The law also establishes potential consequences for local officials who violate the restrictions, classifying violations as misfeasance or malfeasance in office. It further restricts the use of local government funds by employees, contractors and others to promote DEI initiatives.
The measure also restricts cities from funding, hosting or officially promoting heritage events that celebrate heritage, culture and ethnicity, but it carves out exceptions for holidays designated by federal law.
The exceptions include 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.
Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney said he had received numerous messages and seen social media posts criticising the decision to cancel the St Patrick's Day Parade, adding that it is clear the parade means as much to the community as it does to him.
In a Facebook post, Carney said the bill puts severe restrictions on how cities can pay for community events such as the St Patrick's Day Parade. He wrote that the St Patrick's Day Parade is not just another parade, but is ingrained in the DNA of the Delray Beach community.
The mayor added that the city is working feverishly with multiple entities to ensure the 2027 St Patrick's Day parade goes on as scheduled. Fox News Digital has reached out to DeSantis's office for comment.
