Delray Beach, Florida, has announced it will be unable to host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Pride event in 2027, citing a new Republican-backed state law that prohibits local governments from funding, promoting, or taking official action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The city stated that the legislation, which takes effect January 1, 2027, legally bars them from organizing, funding, or promoting events specifically referencing ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity, despite acknowledging the community’s value for these gatherings. This law, Florida Senate Bill 1134, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, restricts DEI funding and promotion, classifying violations as misfeasance or malfeasance in office, and also impacts heritage events, with exceptions only for federally designated holidays. Mayor Tom Carney expressed disappointment, noting the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is deeply ingrained in the city’s identity, and confirmed that officials are actively working with various entities to find a way to ensure the parade can still proceed as scheduled.
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