Rev. Franklin Graham, leader of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, said Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis "doesn't mess around" when it comes to preventing children from being exposed to drag shows.
"He's revoking the liquor license of a major Miami hotel because they hosted a drag queen show with children present, even after being warned," Graham said Thursday in a Facebook post. "The Governor's office stated 'Sexually explicit content is not appropriate to display to children and doing so violates Florida law. Governor DeSantis stands up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida.' "
"It's so refreshing to see a leader who is willing to stand up for what is right!" the evangelical pastor added. "May God bless and help him as he leads this state."
Earlier this week, Florida's Voice reported that the Hyatt Regency Miami's license for the sale and consumption of alcohol is being revoked by the DeSantis administration after the James L. Knight Center, which is reportedly connected to the hotel, hosted a "sexually explicit show with children present."
"A Drag Queen Christmas" is a holiday-themed drag show that tours 36 cities and features stars from the reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race." It was performed at the center on Dec. 27.
Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed a 17-page complaint against the show's venue Tuesday, which alleges that minors younger than 16 years of age were at the show and exposed to "sexually suggestive clothing and prosthetic female genitalia," as well as simulated masturbation.
The show required that people under 18 be accompanied by an adult in order to attend.
In a letter dated the same day as the show's opening, the department warned organizers to change how they marketed the show. The letter stated that "sexually explicit drag show performances constitute public nuisances, lewd activity, and disorderly conduct" when minors are present and warned that the venue was in danger of losing its alcohol license.
Beth Pannell, a department spokeswoman, told Insider that the Hyatt Regency Miami is permitted to continue selling alcohol until a final decision is made and that the business has 21 days to request a hearing.
Amir Blattner, the general manager for Hyatt Regency Miami, told Insider that a third-party operator manages the Knight Center's programming and ticketing while the hotel provides concessions.