Florida Republican files bill that bans venues from canceling shows over political views or social media posts

This isn't the first time Rudman has filed a bill that directly impacts his own interests.

click to enlarge Rep. Joel Rudman - Photo via Joel Rudman/Facebook
Photo via Joel Rudman/Facebook
Rep. Joel Rudman
A Florida Republican, who is also in a cover band, filed a bill that effectively would prevent his own shows from getting canceled.

This afternoon, Panhandle Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, filed HB 15, which he calls the "The Right to Rock Act,” for the upcoming  2024 legislative session.

Under the proposal, any entertainment venue that accepts state funding would be banned from breaking a contract with a performer due to their social-media use or political affiliations.

The proposal applies to musicians, comedians, dancers and actors.

This isn't the first time Rudman has filed a bill that directly impacts his own interests.

Rudman—who recently sponsored the "Protections of Medical Conscience Act" which allows medical doctors like himself to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community over religious views—also plays in a band and was recently on  a "God, Guns, and Less Government" tour.

According an article promoting one of his more recent shows, Rudman plays a "remarkable playlist that spans decades. From the high-voltage energy of AC/DC to the glitz of KISS and the iconic riffs of Led Zeppelin."

The 2024 session will start in January.

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Colin Wolf

Colin Wolf has been working with weekly newspapers since 2007 and has been the Digital Editor for Creative Loafing Tampa since 2019. He is also the Director of Digital Content Strategy for CL's parent company, Chava Communications.
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