“It’s a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I’d be a drag queen.”
-Dolly Parton
-Dolly Parton
Our Miami attorney is running a series exploring “dumb” and “crazy” laws that have been attributed to Florida- fact and myth. Perhaps you have heard rumor of laws banning men from donning strapless gowns in Miami.
Residents of Miami may find it hard to imagine crossdressing being criminalized in this city known for its colorful clubs. However Miami’s relatively recent legal history includes a number of laws concerning “public decency” that may come as a surprise to our city’s residents.
- In 1952, a city ordinance was passed banning men from impersonating females in any show or act within the city limits. Exemptions were made for theatrical performances sponsored by colleges or other accredited schools, parades, films or theater “that is in no way lewd, indecent or immoral”.
- In 1956, a city ordinance further went on to make it unlawful for any person to be found “in a dress not customarily worn by his or her sex”.
- Other laws on the books in Florida relating to “public decency” have been struck down for being vaguely worded, difficult to enforce, or outdated.
- There are both state and municipal laws in Florida relating to dress and behaviors deemed inappropriate in public, “corrupting the public morals”, and related.
Not all criminal laws make sense in all situations. Criminal laws can be applied and enforced poorly, with serious consequences for the accused. Often it takes many years for an outdated law to be removed from the books.
If you are charged with a crime in Miami, contact our experienced defense attorneys. We will fight for your rights under Florida law.
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