Florida St Patrick’s Day parade cancelled over Republican anti-DEI law, causing outrage

Key Points:

• Delray Beach, Florida, canceled its 2027 St Patrick’s Day parade and Pride event in response to a new Republican law banning municipalities from hosting events promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and effective January 1, prohibits city funding or promotion of events referencing ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• The cancellations sparked outrage among residents and local businesses, prompting Mayor Tom Carney to work urgently with private entities to restore the St Patrick’s Day parade.
• Florida Senate Bill 1134 is part of a series of conservative measures under DeSantis targeting DEI initiatives, including bans on drag shows, restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, and the elimination of DEI programs in state colleges.
• The law exempts federal holidays promoting ethnic diversity, such as Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and other Florida cities are currently reviewing their event policies.