Case: HM Florida-ORL, LLC v. DeSantis

6:23-cv-00950 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Filed Date: May 22, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 22, 2023, HM Florida-Orl LLC, a restaurant and bar serving alcohol and presenting drag show performances, comedy sketches, and dancing, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida challenging the constitutionality of Florida Statute 827.11 (the "Act"), which prohibited knowingly admitting a child to an "adult live performance," including a drag show. Violation of the Act authorized the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to impo…

On May 22, 2023, HM Florida-Orl LLC, a restaurant and bar serving alcohol and presenting drag show performances, comedy sketches, and dancing, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida challenging the constitutionality of Florida Statute 827.11 (the "Act"), which prohibited knowingly admitting a child to an "adult live performance," including a drag show. Violation of the Act authorized the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to impose fines or revoke or suspend operating and/or liquor licenses, and could also result in prosecution for first-degree misdemeanor. Plaintiff sued the state of Florida, Governor Ron Desantis, in his official and individual capacities, and the Secretary of Florida's State Department of Business and Professional Regulation in her official capacity.  Suing under 42 U.S.C. 1983, plaintiff argued that the Act violated the First Amendment because it prohibited protected speech based on the identity of the speaker and was impermissibly vague and overbroad.  Plaintiffs sought a permanent injunction on enforcement. The case was assigned to Judge Gregory A. Presnell.

On May 23, 2023, plaintiffs filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction.  Defendants filed opposition and a motion to dismiss on June 2, 2023.  On June 6, 2023, after a hearing and upon stipulation of the parties, the court dismissed Governor Desantis and the state of Florida as defendants.  And on June 23, 2023, the court issued an order granting plaintiff's request for a preliminary injunction and denying defendant's motion to dismiss. 

First, the court rejected the defendant's argument that the case should be dismissed as a "shotgun pleading," reasoning that the complaint sufficiently plainly "assert[ed] one count under 42 U.S.C. s 1983 - with several constitutional theories to support it - which requires no further demarcation." It further rejected defendant's argument that plaintiff lacked standing to challenge the Act, holding, among other reasons, that plaintiff's asserted fear of prosecution under the Act was not unfounded.  It therefore denied defendant's motion to dismiss. 

As to plaintiff's request for a preliminary injunction, the court held that plaintiff had shown a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.  It explained that the Act was facially a content-based regulation, and that it likely could not survive strict scrutiny because the state had not used the least restrictive means to achieve the asserted purpose for the Act, protecting the wellbeing of minors. The court cited the wide range of conduct that might constitute a "live performance" under the Act, as well as several other terms insufficiently defined in the Act that created ambiguities. It further cited the "inevitable clash" with the state's Parents' Bill of Rights and other laws permitting parents to direct the upbringing and moral or religious training of their children, as well as laws both prohibiting exposure to obscene material and permitting exceptions for children accompanied by parents to attend any such exhibitions. Moreover, the court held that the Act's failure to define key phrases and terms, such as "lewd conduct," likely rendered it void for vagueness.  Finding that plaintiff had adequately alleged irreparable injury and that the harm to plaintiff "outweigh[ed] any purported evils not covered by Florida law," the court granted the preliminary injunction motion.  It enjoined the defendant from instituting, maintaining, or prosecuting any enforcement proceedings under the Act.  

As of June 24, 2023, the case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Tessa Bialek (6/24/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67413626/parties/hm-florida-orl-llc-v-desantis/


Judge(s)

Presnell, Gregory A. (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Israel, Gary Steven (Florida)

Stewart, Melissa J. (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

Forrester, Nathan Andrew (Florida)

Stafford, William H. (Florida)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

6:23-cv-00950

Verified Complaint for Injunctive Relief

HM Florida-ORL, LLC v. the State of Florida

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

Complaint
29

6:23-cv-00950

Order

HM Florida-ORL, LLC v. Griffin

June 23, 2023

June 23, 2023

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67413626/hm-florida-orl-llc-v-desantis/

Last updated Dec. 2, 2023, 1:17 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT Verified Complaint for Injunctive Relief (Filing fee $402 receipt number AFLMDC-20862457) filed by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Supplement Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction with Incorporated Memorandum of Law, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Proposed Summons, # 4 Proposed Summons, # 5 Proposed Summons)(Israel, Gary) Modified on 5/24/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). Modified on 5/24/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). (Entered: 05/22/2023)

1 Supplement Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction

View on RECAP

2 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

3 Proposed Summons

View on PACER

4 Proposed Summons

View on PACER

5 Proposed Summons

View on PACER

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

Clearinghouse
2

NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Judge Gregory A. Presnell and Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price. New case number: 6:23-cv-950-GAP-LHP. (ARC) (Entered: 05/23/2023)

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

PACER
3

INITIAL CASE ORDER. Certificate of interested persons and corporate disclosure statement and Notice of Pendency of Other Actions due within 14 days. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 5/23/2023. (AKC) (Entered: 05/23/2023)

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

PACER
4

NOTICE of a related action per Local Rule 1.07(c) by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. Related case(s): No. Modified on 5/24/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). (Entered: 05/23/2023)

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

RECAP
5

CERTIFICATE of interested persons and corporate disclosure statement by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Israel, Gary) Modified on 5/24/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). (Entered: 05/23/2023)

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

PACER
6

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction with Incorporated Memorandum of Law by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (filed initially on 5/22/23)(AKC) Modified on 5/24/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). (Entered: 05/23/2023)

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

RECAP
7

ORDER Setting Hearing on Motion 6 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order : Motion Hearing set for 6/6/2023 at 01:30 PM in Orlando Courtroom 5 A before Judge Gregory A. Presnell. Defendants shall file their written response to the motion by 6/2/23. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 5/23/2023. (AKC) (AKC). (Entered: 05/23/2023)

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

RECAP

Case Assigned/Reassigned

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

PACER
8

CORPORATE Disclosure Statement by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Israel, Gary) Modified on 5/24/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). (Entered: 05/24/2023)

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER
9

SUMMONS issued as to Ron DeSantis, Melanie Griffin, State of Florida. (BCB) (Entered: 05/24/2023)

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER
10

First MOTION for Brice M. Timmons to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-20876633 for $150 by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Israel, Gary) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price. (Entered: 05/25/2023)

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

PACER
11

First MOTION for Melissa J. Stewart to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-20876662 for $150 by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Israel, Gary) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price. (Entered: 05/25/2023)

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

RECAP
12

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Gary Steven Israel, Brice M. Timmons, Melissa J. Stewart of Local Rule 2.02(a), which states, "The first paper filed on behalf of a party must designate only one lead counsel who - unless the party changes the designation - remains lead counsel throughout the action." Counsel must file a Notice of Lead Counsel Designation identifying lead counsel. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (BCB) (Entered: 05/25/2023)

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

PACER

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

PACER
13

ORDER granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 11 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price on 5/26/2023. (MKH) (Entered: 05/26/2023)

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

PACER
14

NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Gary Steven Israel on behalf of HM Florida-ORL, LLC. Lead Counsel: Brice Timmons. (Israel, Gary) (Entered: 05/26/2023)

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

RECAP
15

NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Brice Moffatt Timmons on behalf of HM Florida-ORL, LLC. Lead Counsel: Brice M. Timmons. (Timmons, Brice) (Entered: 05/26/2023)

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

PACER
16

First MOTION for GARY S. ISRAEL to appear telephonically to appear virtually for June 6, 2023 Hearing by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Israel, Gary) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price. (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
17

RETURN of service executed on May 25, 2023 by HM Florida-ORL, LLC as to Ron DeSantis. (Israel, Gary) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
18

RETURN of service executed on May 25, 2023 by HM Florida-ORL, LLC as to Melanie Griffin. (Israel, Gary) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
19

RETURN of service executed on May 25, 2023 by HM Florida-ORL, LLC as to State of Florida. (Israel, Gary) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
20

ENDORSED ORDER granting 16 Motion to Appear Telephonically provided that Plaintiff will be represented in person at the hearing by lead counsel. Counsel may appear telephonically by calling 1-888-251-2909,a few minutes prior and wait for the host to start the call. The court will email to counsel the access code and password by separate email. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 6/1/2023. (AKC) Modified on 6/1/2023 (AKC). (Entered: 06/01/2023)

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion to Appear Telephonically

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

PACER
21

RESPONSE in Opposition re 6 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Ron DeSantis, Melanie Griffin, State of Florida. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Protection of Children Act, # 2 Exhibit Declaration of Daniel Brackett, # 3 Exhibit Administrative Complaint R House, # 4 Exhibit Administrative Complaint Miami Hyatt, # 5 Exhibit Administrative Complaint Orlando Philharmonic)(Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 06/02/2023)

1 Exhibit Protection of Children Act

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2 Exhibit Declaration of Daniel Brackett

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3 Exhibit Administrative Complaint R House

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4 Exhibit Administrative Complaint Miami Hyatt

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5 Exhibit Administrative Complaint Orlando Philharmonic

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June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

RECAP
22

CORPORATE Disclosure Statement by Ron DeSantis, Melanie Griffin, State of Florida. (Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 06/02/2023)

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

RECAP
23

ORDER directing Plaintiff to respond Defendants Motion to Dismiss and Reply to Defendants 21 Response in Opposition to Motion, filed by Ron DeSantis, Melanie Griffin, State of Florida by 6/15/2023. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 6/5/2023. (AKC) (Entered: 06/05/2023)

June 5, 2023

June 5, 2023

RECAP
24

NOTICE of supplemental authority Plaintiff's Notice of Filing Supplemental Authority by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered by Judge Thomas L. Parker WDTN)(Timmons, Brice) Modified on 6/6/2023 to edit docket text (BCB). (Entered: 06/05/2023)

1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered by Judge Tho

View on PACER

June 5, 2023

June 5, 2023

RECAP
25

Minute Entry. In Person Proceedings held before Judge Gregory A. Presnell: MOTION HEARING held on 6/6/2023 re 6 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. Court Reporter: Koretta Stanford (AKC) (Entered: 06/06/2023)

June 6, 2023

June 6, 2023

RECAP
26

ORDER dismissing Defendants Ron Desantis and the State of Florida as defendants in this action. Clerk is directed to terminate them as defendants. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 6/6/2023. (AKC) (Entered: 06/06/2023)

June 6, 2023

June 6, 2023

RECAP
27

NOTICE of Appearance by William H. Stafford on behalf of Melanie Griffin (Stafford, William) (Entered: 06/15/2023)

June 15, 2023

June 15, 2023

RECAP
28

RESPONSE re 21 Response in Opposition to Motion, Plaintiff's Response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and Plaintiff's Reply to Defendants' Response to Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Injunction filed by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Timmons, Brice) (Entered: 06/15/2023)

June 15, 2023

June 15, 2023

RECAP
29

ORDER granting Plaintiff's 6 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and denying Defendant's 21 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 6/23/2023. (BTM) (Entered: 06/23/2023)

June 23, 2023

June 23, 2023

Clearinghouse
30

AMENDED ORDER granting Plaintiff's 6 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and denying Defendant's 21 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 6/24/2023. (BTM) (Entered: 06/24/2023)

June 24, 2023

June 24, 2023

RECAP
31

NOTICE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL as to 30 Order by Melanie Griffin. Filing fee $ 505, receipt number AFLMDC-20986368. (Forrester, Nathan) Modified text on 6/28/2023 (JK). (Entered: 06/27/2023)

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

RECAP
32

TRANSMITTAL of initial appeal package to USCA consisting of copies of notice of appeal, docket sheet, order/judgment being appealed, and motion, if applicable to USCA re 31 Notice of Appeal. Eleventh Circuit Transcript information form forwarded to pro se litigants and available to counsel at www.flmd.uscourts.gov under Forms and Publications/General. (JK) (Entered: 06/28/2023)

June 28, 2023

June 28, 2023

RECAP
33

MOTION to Stay re 29 Order on Motion for Temporary Restraining Order Motion for partial stay pending appeal of Preliminary Injunction by Melanie Griffin. (Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 06/28/2023)

June 28, 2023

June 28, 2023

RECAP
34

ENDORSED ORDER directing HM Florida-ORL, LLC to respond to 33 MOTION to Stay re 29 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Responses due by 7/10/2023 Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 6/29/2023. (BTM) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER

Order directing response to motion

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
35

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Melanie Griffin.(Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 07/07/2023)

July 7, 2023

July 7, 2023

RECAP
36

RESPONSE in Opposition re 33 MOTION to Stay re 29 Order on Motion for Temporary Restraining Order Motion for partial stay pending appeal of Preliminary Injunction Plaintiff's Response in Opposition to Defendant's Motion for a Partial Stay Pending Appeal of Preliminary Injunction filed by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Timmons, Brice) (Entered: 07/10/2023)

July 10, 2023

July 10, 2023

RECAP
37

TRANSCRIPT information form filed by Melanie Griffin for proceedings held on June 6, 2023 before Judge Presnell re 31 Notice of Appeal. USCA number: 23-12160. Electronic notification sent to Court Reporter Koretta Stanford (Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 07/11/2023)

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

PACER
38

CASE MANAGEMENT REPORT. (Timmons, Brice) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

RECAP
39

MOTION to Stay Proceedings in District Court by Melanie Griffin. (Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

RECAP
40

COURT REPORTER ACKNOWLEDGMENT by Koretta Stanford re 31 Notice of Appeal. Estimated transcript filing date: 08/14/23. USCA number: 23-12160. (KES) (Entered: 07/14/2023)

July 14, 2023

July 14, 2023

PACER
41

ORDER denying Defendant's 33 Motion for Partial Stay Pending Appeal. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 7/19/2023. (BTM) (Entered: 07/19/2023)

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

RECAP
42

CASE MANAGEMENT AND SCHEDULING ORDER: Amended Pleadings due by 8/11/2023 Joinder of Parties due by 8/11/2023 Discovery due by 12/1/2023 Dispositive motions due by 1/2/2024 Pretrial statement due by 4/11/2024 All other motions due by 4/29/2024 Plaintiff disclosure of expert report due by 9/15/2023 Defendant disclosure of expert report due by 10/16/2023 Final Pretrial Conference set for 5/2/2024 at 01:00 PM in Orlando Courtroom 5 A before Judge Gregory A. Presnell Bench Trial set for the trial term which commences on 6/3/2024 at 09:00 AM in Orlando Courtroom 5 A before Judge Gregory A. Presnell. No mediation is required. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 7/21/2023. (AKC) (Entered: 07/21/2023)

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

PACER
43

STANDING ORDER on Discovery Motions. Signed by Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price on 2/7/2022. (MKH) (Entered: 07/21/2023)

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

RECAP
44

ORDER denying Defendant's 39 Motion to Stay. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 8/2/2023. (BTM) (Entered: 08/02/2023)

Aug. 2, 2023

Aug. 2, 2023

RECAP
45

First MOTION to Amend 1 Complaint Plaintiff's Motion to Amend Complaint by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint)(Stewart, Melissa) (Entered: 08/11/2023)

1 Exhibit Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint

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Aug. 11, 2023

Aug. 11, 2023

RECAP
46

ORDER denying without prejudice 45 Motion to Amend Complaint for failure to comply with Local Rule 3.01(g). Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 8/14/2023. (AKC) (Entered: 08/14/2023)

Aug. 14, 2023

Aug. 14, 2023

RECAP
47

TRANSCRIPT of Motion Hearing held on 060623 before Judge Gregory A. Presnell re 31 Notice of Appeal. Court Reporter/Transcriber: Koretta Stanford. Email address: courtreporterstanford@gmail.com. NOTICE TO THE PARTIES - The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely available to the public without redaction after ninety (90) calendar days. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER or purchased through the Court Reporter. Redaction Request due 9/5/2023. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 9/15/2023. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 11/13/2023. (KES) (Entered: 08/15/2023)

Aug. 15, 2023

Aug. 15, 2023

PACER
48

NOTIFICATION that transcript has been filed by Koretta Stanford re: 31 Notice of Appeal. USCA number: 23-12160. (KES) (Entered: 08/15/2023)

Aug. 15, 2023

Aug. 15, 2023

PACER
49

Second MOTION to Amend 1 Complaint Plaintiff's Partially Opposed Motion to Amend Complaint by HM Florida-ORL, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint)(Timmons, Brice) (Entered: 08/15/2023)

1 Exhibit Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint

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Aug. 15, 2023

Aug. 15, 2023

RECAP
50

ORDER granting 49 Motion to Amend Complaint. The Clerk is directed to docket the Amended Complaint at Doc. No. [49-1]. Signed by Judge Gregory A. Presnell on 8/16/2023. (AKC) (Entered: 08/16/2023)

Aug. 16, 2023

Aug. 16, 2023

PACER
51

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Melanie Griffin filed by HM Florida-ORL, LLC.(AKC) (Entered: 08/16/2023)

Aug. 16, 2023

Aug. 16, 2023

RECAP
52

ANSWER to 51 Amended Complaint by Melanie Griffin.(Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 08/29/2023)

Aug. 29, 2023

Aug. 29, 2023

RECAP
53

MOTION to Modify 42 Case Management Scheduling Order by Melanie Griffin. (Stafford, William) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

Nov. 20, 2023

Nov. 20, 2023

RECAP
54

Order on Motion to Amend / Correct / Modify / Supplement

Nov. 22, 2023

Nov. 22, 2023

RECAP

Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines

Nov. 22, 2023

Nov. 22, 2023

PACER

Electronic certificate of readiness

Nov. 30, 2023

Nov. 30, 2023

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Florida

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 22, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A Florida restaurant and bar presenting drag show performances, comedy sketches, and dancing.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State of Florida, State

State Department of Business and Professional Regulation, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Order Duration: 2023 - None

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+