Florida city cancels St. Patricks Day Parade, Pride event over DEI law outraging locals

A Florida city canceled its annual St.Patrick’s Day Parade after a new state law banning government-funded “DEI” initiatives took effect — as outraged residents railed against the “ridiculous” measure.Delray Beach officials said the new state legislation severely restricts the city from holding either the beloved St.

Patrick’s Day Parade or its Pride event when the calendar flips to 2027.The much-maligned announcement comes ahead of the Jan.1 date when the new legislation, SB 1134, takes effect statewide.The law passed by both chambers in the State House and signed by Gov.

Ron DeSantis in April, prohibits county and municipal governments from “funding or promoting or taking official action as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”Restrictions from the legislation also hinder cities from holding events celebrating heritage and ethnicity.Florida officials caught violating the new law will be declared to have committed misfeasance or malfeasance in office and are subject to suspension, administrative discipline or removal from office by the governor, according to the state constitution.“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,” city officials announced Tuesday.“These restrictions include certain programming and activities designed or implemented with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”Delray Beach residents cried out over the decision, questioning the reasoning behind the cancelations and expressing concerns about what it could do to the local economy.“Disappointed? Ridiculous.

You know, it’s just – are they going to cancel the Christmas parade as well? So, there’s a lot of issues going on here and it’s weird,” Delray Beach resident Randy Biro fumed to WPBF.“Middle of the season, it’ll bring business to the avenue.And it’s good and it’s fun.

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