Pennsylvania legislator proposes making it a third-degree felony to take children to drag shows, sparking heated debate over parental rights versus protecting minors from sexually explicit content.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Robert Leadbeter’s proposed legislation would make it a third-degree felony to allow minors to attend drag shows in Pennsylvania
- The bill aims to strengthen current laws against corrupting minors by explicitly prohibiting children from attending sexually charged performances
- Leadbeter cites studies linking exposure to sexual content with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem in children
- The legislation follows increased visibility of drag performances aimed at children during the Biden administration
- Critics argue the bill targets LGBTQ+ expression while supporters view it as protecting children from inappropriate content
Protecting Children or Targeting Freedom?
In a move that showcases the growing conservative pushback against the sexualization of children, Pennsylvania State Representative Robert Leadbeter has introduced legislation that would make it a third-degree felony for adults to allow minors to attend drag shows. The proposed bill addresses a contentious issue that has divided communities across America: whether children should be exposed to performances that often feature sexually suggestive content under the guise of entertainment or education.
Current Pennsylvania law already prohibits acts that corrupt the morals of minors, but Leadbeter’s legislation specifically targets drag performances, which have increasingly been marketed toward families and children in recent years. The Republican lawmaker from Columbia County argues that his bill simply strengthens existing protections by explicitly addressing events that have become increasingly problematic as the radical left pushes boundaries of what’s considered acceptable for children.
A Representative announced plans to introduce a bill that would allow law enforcement to charge someone with a third-degree felony if they take a minor to a drag show.https://t.co/l7Tabp18Fh
— abc27 News (@abc27News) February 27, 2025
The Science Behind Child Protection
Leadbeter hasn’t simply relied on moral arguments to make his case. His proposed legislation cites scientific research linking exposure to sexually explicit content with serious psychological harm to children. According to studies referenced in his proposal, children exposed to sexualized content face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem – exactly the kinds of mental health challenges that are already reaching epidemic proportions among American youth.
“Children should not be subjected to lewd, sexually profane environments.” – Rep. Robert Leadbeter
This isn’t about targeting any specific community – it’s about standing up for children who can’t protect themselves from adult content. The proposed legislation aligns perfectly with existing public decency laws and reinforces traditional family values that prioritize the innocence of childhood over the relentless progressive push to expose children to mature concepts before they’re developmentally ready to process them.
A Broader Cultural Battle
Leadbeter’s bill represents much more than just a single piece of legislation – it’s a flashpoint in the larger cultural war over America’s values. During the Biden administration, drag performances aimed at children gained unprecedented support from the federal government. The White House even hosted drag queen activist Marti Cummings, who had previously posted controversial social media content about children, sending a clear message about the administration’s priorities.
“My legislation aligns with existing public decency laws and seeks to uphold traditional family values and parental rights” – Republican state Rep. Robert Leadbeter
The Pennsylvania bill comes as part of a wave of pushback against the radical agenda that has dominated American institutions under Democrat leadership. The Trump administration has already begun dismantling programs like those at the Kennedy Center that used taxpayer dollars to fund drag performances targeted at LGBTQ+ youth. What makes Leadbeter’s approach particularly effective is that it focuses squarely on protecting children rather than attacking any particular lifestyle or expression among adults.
Enforcing Law and Order
As the newly appointed Republican chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts for the 2025-26 Legislative Session, Leadbeter is well-positioned to advance this child protection agenda. His committee oversees Pennsylvania’s judiciary and investigates judicial misconduct, providing critical checks and balances. Leadbeter has made it clear he won’t tolerate activist judges who might try to undermine laws designed to protect children, stating he’s prepared to initiate impeachment processes if necessary.
“I’m humbled to be named to this esteemed checks-and-balances position to ensure our laws are being followed.” – Rep. Robert Leadbeter
The legislation represents a common-sense approach to a controversial issue that resonates with many Pennsylvania parents who are tired of seeing their values undermined by entertainment that sexualizes children. While progressive critics will inevitably claim this legislation targets LGBTQ+ expression, the reality is much simpler: it’s about drawing reasonable boundaries between adult entertainment and what’s appropriate for children, a distinction that used to be uncontroversial in American society before the relentless push of woke ideology.
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
