Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking a bold stand to protect children from the inappropriate sexualization found at drag performances. Rep. Robert Leadbeter’s proposed legislation aims to make it a third-degree felony for those who allow minors to attend these adult-oriented shows.
At a Glance
- Pennsylvania bill would make it a third-degree felony to take children to drag shows
- Rep. Robert Leadbeter cites studies linking exposure to such content with increased risks of depression and anxiety in children
- Current Pennsylvania law already prohibits acts that corrupt morals of minors
- Legislation aims to strengthen protections against exposing children to sexually charged performances
- Bill aligns with traditional family values and counters agenda promoted during Biden administration
Protecting Children from Adult Content
Republican State Representative Robert Leadbeter has introduced crucial legislation that would criminalize allowing children to attend drag shows, making it a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania. The bill directly addresses growing concerns from parents and community members about the increasing exposure of children to adult-oriented performances that many argue are inappropriate for young audiences.
The legislation strengthens existing Pennsylvania law, which already prohibits individuals from committing acts that corrupt the morals of minors. Leadbeter’s proposal specifically targets the growing trend of drag performances being marketed to families and children, which often contain sexual themes, suggestive dancing, and inappropriate content that can be harmful to young, impressionable minds.
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
Scientific Evidence Supports Protection Measures
Leadbeter isn’t merely operating on personal opinion – he cites scientific studies demonstrating that exposure to sexually explicit content can have serious detrimental effects on children’s mental health. Research has linked such exposure to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in minors, supporting the representative’s position that this legislation is necessary for children’s psychological and emotional well-being.
The representative, who was recently appointed as the Republican Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts for the 2025-26 Legislative Session, has positioned himself as a champion of law and order. The subcommittee oversees Pennsylvania’s judiciary system and investigates judicial misconduct, giving Leadbeter significant influence in shaping laws that govern the judicial branch in the state.
Countering Biden-Era Policies
This proposed legislation comes after years of the Biden administration actively promoting drag performances for children, including controversial drag queen story hours in public libraries across the country. The issue gained significant attention when President Biden invited drag queen activist Marti Cummings to the White House, despite Cummings’ history of inappropriate social media posts regarding children.
The Pennsylvania proposal follows actions by the Trump administration to overhaul institutions like the Kennedy Center, which had previously supported federally-funded drag performances. Leadbeter’s bill represents part of a broader movement to restore parental rights and protect children from premature sexualization pushed by radical gender ideology activists.
