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Residents urge Pensacola leaders to cancel Sanger Theatre "Drag Queen Christmas" during public comment; city attorney warns of legal risk
Summary
Dozens of residents used the Leroy Boyd public-comment forum to urge the council and mayor to stop a December performance at the city‑owned Sanger Theatre. Speakers cited moral, religious and child‑safety concerns; city attorneys say canceling a booked event would expose the city to legal and contractual liability.
Dozens of Pensacola residents used the Leroy Boyd public‑comment period at the Sept. 11 City Council meeting to urge elected officials to cancel a Dec. 23 “Drag Queen Christmas” performance at the city‑owned Sanger Theatre.
Speakers said the production is offensive to Christians, inappropriate for the holidays and potentially harmful to children. Several cited a provision in the Sanger management agreement — paragraph 2.6 — that they said gives the city authority to review and disapprove events deemed “injurious to public health or to the general welfare of the community.” Pastor James Johnson, who identified himself as pastor of Northstone Baptist Church, said he reviewed the management agreement and asked the council to “disinvite” the show.
The city attorney told council…
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