Florida St Patrick’s Day parade cancelled over Republican anti-DEI law, causing outrage

Delray Beach has cancelled its 2027 St Patrick’s Day parade and Pride event after officials concluded a new Florida law would prevent the city from organising, funding or promoting them. The decision has angered residents and businesses, while Mayor Tom Carney says he is seeking private funding to restore the parade, a major local celebration that draws tens of thousands of visitors.

Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in April, Senate Bill 1134 takes effect on 1 January and restricts municipal events and activities designed with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. The law was among a series of Republican-backed measures targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and LGBTQ+ rights. Other Florida cities are reviewing their plans, but no further event cancellations have been reported; the law exempts certain federal holidays, including Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth.