An upcoming “furry” convention in Florida will restrict its attendees to adults over 18 in response to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law prohibiting children from attending “adult live entertainment.”
Megaplex, an Orlando-based convention dedicated to “people who enjoy dressing up as or making art of anthropomorphized creatures,” originally released a statement regarding their decision on Wednesday.
“Many have raised concerns about recent changes in Florida legislation. After reviewing Florida SB 1438 it has been decided that for legal reasons and protection of our attendees, our venue, and the overall convention, Megaplex 2023 attendees must be 18 years of age at the time of registration pickup,” the statement read.
The Protection of Children Act (SB 1438) specifically prohibits a person from “knowingly admitting a child to an adult live performance.” An adult live performance is defined as “any show, exhibition, or other presentation in front of a live audience which, in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or specific sexual activities.”
Heads of animal costumes of various participants are laid at the meeting of the furry scene Eurofurence at the Hotel Estrel. (Getty Images)
According to the 2022 Megaplex schedule online, many events marked for those 18 and older took place at night. Others marked for adults or a general audience held during the afternoons included “How to Be Queer,” “Babyfur/Kidfur Meet Up” and “Transgender Furs Meet & Greet.”
The convention is expected to be held Sept. 15-17 at Hyatt Regency in Orlando. Megaplex did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Lindsay Kornick is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to lindsay.kornick@fox.com and on Twitter: @lmkornick.
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