IN-DEPTH: Florida Leads Conservative Legislative Wave With Flurry of Bills

State lawmakers say they are protecting children and parents with 'common sense'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis displays the signed Parental Rights in Education bill flanked by elementary school students during a news conference at Classical Preparatory school in Shady Hills, Fla., on March 28, 2022. Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP

After passing a flurry of conservative bills, Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature appears to lead the nation in conservative-values legislation.

On April 19, state house Republicans passed a measure to stop drag performances in front of children—a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill would punish those who allow children to attend “lewd” performances.