Florida city cancels St Patrick's Day and Pride events over anti-DEI law

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 12 Nov, 20:21 · Archive

Delray Beach, Florida has cancelled its 2027 St Patrick's Day Parade and Pride event after a new state law banning government-funded diversity initiatives took effect.

Delray Beach, a city near Fort Lauderdale, announced on Tuesday that it would cancel its 2027 St Patrick's Day Parade and Pride event due to restrictions imposed by Florida's new Senate Bill 1134. The law, signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in April, takes effect on 1 January 2027 and prohibits county and municipal governments from funding, promoting or taking official action related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

City officials said in a statement that the law's restrictions include 'certain programming and activities designed or implemented with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity'. Following their review of the legislation, Delray Beach determined it was 'legally prohibited from organizing, funding, or promoting these events in 2027'. Officials acknowledged that these annual events had 'provided opportunities for members of the community to gather, celebrate, and connect'.

The cancellations prompted outrage among residents and local business owners. Mayor Tom Carney said on Facebook that he had 'read your social media posts, received your emails' expressing how much the parade meant to the community. He noted that 'The St Patrick's Day Parade isn't just another parade. It's engrained in the DNA of the Delray Beach community.' Residents told local media they were 'disappointed' and 'ridiculous' at the decision, with concerns raised about the impact on local business during the busy season.

In response to the backlash, Carney announced that the city was 'working feverishly with multiple entities to ensure the 2027 St. Patrick's Day parade goes on as scheduled'. He clarified that the cause of the cancellation was Senate Bill 1134 specifically, not another piece of legislation. The mayor's efforts suggest the city may seek alternative funding arrangements, potentially through private sources, to allow the parade to proceed despite the government funding restrictions.

How it is being reported

• Florida St Patrick’s Day parade cancelled over Republican anti-DEI law, causing outrageRon DeSantis signed law prompting the city of Delray Beach to announce it was scrapping its popular Irish celebration A Florida mayor is working to salvage his city’s St Patrick’s Day parade after it was canceled to comply with a new Republican law banning municipalities from hosting events deemed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The state’s hard right governor Ron DeSantis signed the law in April that takes effect on 1 January, prompting the city of Delray Beach, near Fort Lauderdale, to announce it was scrapping next year’s popular Irish celebration that regularly attracts…Guardian World · 12 Nov, 15:51
• Florida city says new GOP-backed DEI law blocks St. Patrick’s parade, Pride eventDelray Beach canceled its 2027 St. Patrick's Day Parade and Pride event after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida's new law restricting DEI-related funding.Fox News · 12 Nov, 09:08
• Florida city forced to cancel St Patrick’s Day parade due to Trump anti-diversity lawThe city of Delray Beach will also not host a Pride event in 2027Independent World · 12 Nov, 07:47
• Florida city cancels St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pride event over DEI law — outraging localsThe much-maligned announcement comes ahead of the Jan. 1 date when the new legislation, SB 1134, takes effect statewide.New York Post · 12 Nov, 05:53

In this story: Delray Beach · Ron DeSantis · Tom Carney · Florida

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