Human rights groups and LGBTQ advocacy organizations are issuing travel warnings for Florida following the enactment of controversial new laws and policies in the state.[0] The Human Rights Campaign in partnership with Equality Florida, a state LGBTQ advocacy group, issued an updated travel notice outlining the potential impacts of six bills that were recently passed under the hand of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.[1] The groups clarified that their statement did not intend to encourage a boycott or a general discouragement of travel. Over the weekend, the NAACP released a warning about Governor DeSantis’ forceful efforts to eliminate Black history and limit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Florida schools. Prior to this, LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, issued an advisory in reaction to a recent state immigration law that is set to take effect in July.
These warnings come amidst DeSantis’ expected announcement that he will seek the 2024 Republican nomination for president via social media on Wednesday night.[2] DeSantis filed campaign paperwork and announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination on Twitter, during a live conversation with Elon Musk.[3] During his introductory speech, he emphasized his capability to win the election and put forth a policy agenda that may bear some resemblance to that of previous President, Donald Trump.[4]
However, the risk for DeSantis is the prospect of the botched rollout forming a narrative and cutting against the very argument he is making to Republican primary voters, that he is a competent alternative to the chaotic presidency of former President Donald Trump.[5] In both public speeches and private donor meetings, the governor presents himself as a composed and predictable politician who supports numerous policy positions of Trump while avoiding any unexpected behavior.[5] But on Wednesday, DeSantis, who fiercely values control, was the picture of disorder.[5]
DeSantis’ presidential launch via Twitter Spaces was filled with technological glitches.[0] When asked about DeSantis, a spokesperson for Trump responded to Insider with the word “Glitchy.”[6] Technical difficulties.[5] Silences that cause discomfort.[5] A total inability to take off.[5] And that is only the contender![6] DeSantis’ first action as a candidate was a huge mistake, according to some.[7] Being far behind Donald Trump in this race, DeSantis is confronted with doubts about his ability to transition from being a triumphant governor to a triumphant presidential nominee.[7] He doesn’t have much margin for error.[7]
Florida is no stranger to controversy, with the state frequently making headlines for its controversial laws, policies, and actions. The latest travel advisories issued by human rights groups and LGBTQ organizations are the latest in a long line of criticisms aimed at the state. The warning is not a call for a boycott but rather an advisory for those who choose to visit the state to be aware of the potential impacts of the recent laws and policies that have been put in place.
The warnings come amid a growing concern for human rights in the state, with many groups pointing to the recent laws and policies as evidence of a worrying trend towards a far-right agenda. The warning from the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Florida highlights six bills that pose a potential threat to the rights of LGBTQ individuals, including a bill that would prevent transgender athletes from participating in high school and college sports.
The NAACP’s advisory, on the other hand, is focused on DeSantis’ attempts to erase Black history and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools. Meanwhile, LULAC’s advisory is in response to a new state immigration law that will go into effect in July.[1]
While the travel advisories are not a call for a boycott, they do serve as a warning to visitors to be aware of the potential impacts of the recent laws and policies that have been put in place. With concerns growing over the direction that Florida is taking, it remains to be seen what impact these warnings will have on the state’s tourism industry. But for human rights groups and LGBTQ advocacy organizations, the warnings are a necessary step in drawing attention to the dangers posed by the state’s far-right agenda.
0. “Ron DeSantis suffers yet another technical glitch during 2024 campaign – live” The Independent, 26 May. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ron-desantis-vp-florida-governor-campaign-twitter-b2346278.html
1. “5 things to know for May 25: Ron DeSantis, Russia, Debt limit, January 6, Florida” CNN, 25 May. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/25/us/five-things-may-25-trnd/index.html
2. “More than 150 former Trump administration officials now backing DeSantis for president” Fox News, 24 May. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/150-former-trump-administration-officials-now-backing-desantis-president
3. “Not just Disney: DeSantis brings history of business battles to the presidential campaign” CNBC, 24 May. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/24/desantis-business-fights-disney-esg.html
4. “Politics Podcast: The Case For And Against Ron DeSantis” FiveThirtyEight, 25 May. 2023, https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/politics-podcast-the-case-for-and-against-ron-desantis/
5. “‘It turned out to be a mistake’: Botched rollout puts DeSantis on his heels” POLITICO, 25 May. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/24/desantis-twitter-campaign-glitch-00098748
6. “DeSantis could have gone down a golden escalator, did Twitter Spaces” Business Insider, 26 May. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/desantis-should-have-gone-down-golden-escalator-twitter-spaces-instead-2023-5
7. “Ron DeSantis heads to early primary states after disastrous Twitter launch” The Guardian US, 25 May. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/25/ron-desantis-campaign-primary-states
