Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing a bill that would make taking children to drag shows a third-degree felony, setting the stage for a contentious battle over parental rights and child protection.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania Rep. Robert Leadbeter is introducing legislation to make allowing minors at drag shows a third-degree felony
- The bill aims to strengthen existing laws against corrupting the morals of minors by explicitly prohibiting children from attending sexually charged performances
- Proponents argue the legislation protects children from inappropriate content that studies link to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
- The proposed law follows similar conservative efforts across the country to restrict children’s exposure to drag performances
- Leadbeter, newly appointed as Republican chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, frames the bill as upholding traditional family values
Protecting Children from Adult Content
Republican state Representative Robert Leadbeter is taking a strong stance on child protection with proposed legislation that would make it a third-degree felony for adults to allow minors to attend drag shows. The bill seeks to explicitly prohibit children from attending performances that Leadbeter characterizes as sexually charged and inappropriate. Currently, Pennsylvania law allows for charges against acts that corrupt the morals of a minor, but this legislation would specifically address drag performances in an effort to strengthen protections for children.
“Children should not be subjected to lewd, sexually profane environments,” said Rep. Robert Leadbeter.
Leadbeter argues that many drag shows contain adult themes, explicit content, and sexual undertones that are developmentally inappropriate for young audiences. The representative has cited studies suggesting that exposure to sexualized content can lead to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in children. This legislation is positioned as a child welfare measure rather than an attack on any particular community or form of expression.
Legislative Background and Support
The proposed bill follows a growing national conversation about children’s exposure to drag performances. Leadbeter, who represents the 109th Legislative District which encompasses all of Columbia County, has framed the legislation as upholding community values against what he describes as radical agendas. His position as the newly appointed Republican chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts for the 2025-26 Legislative Session provides him with significant influence over Pennsylvania’s judiciary system and the shaping of laws governing the judicial branch.
“I’m humbled to be named to this esteemed checks-and-balances position to ensure our laws are being followed,” said Rep. Robert Leadbeter.
Leadbeter’s approach to law and order extends beyond this specific legislation. He has expressed a philosophy against activist judges and has stated his readiness to initiate impeachment processes against judges who defy laws. His colleague Rob Kauffman has endorsed Leadbeter’s leadership, noting, “Rep. Leadbeter is a trusted and proven leader who I know will excel in this position.”
Alignment with Traditional Values
Supporters of the legislation view it as consistent with existing public decency laws. Leadbeter has emphasized that his bill seeks to uphold traditional family values and parental rights while protecting children from what he describes as premature sexualization. The issue gained national prominence during the Biden administration, which faced criticism for supporting drag queen story hours and for inviting drag queen activists to White House events.
“My legislation aligns with existing public decency laws and seeks to uphold traditional family values and parental rights,” said Republican state Rep. Robert Leadbeter.
The proposed Pennsylvania law represents part of a broader conservative movement to restrict drag performances for minors across the country. It follows actions by the Trump administration to overhaul federal funding for programs that supported drag performances for youth. As the legislation moves through the Pennsylvania legislative process, it will likely continue to generate significant debate between those who view it as necessary child protection and those who see it as government overreach into parental decisions and artistic expression.
Sources:
- Rep. Leadbeter wants to make allowing kids at drag shows a felony offense
- Pennsylvania Legislation: Could Be a Felony to Take Children to Drag Shows
