Pennsylvania Bill Sparks Debate: Felony for Kids at Drag Shows?

A Republican lawmaker in Pennsylvania has proposed making it a third-degree felony for adults who bring children to drag shows, sparking intense debate over parental rights and child protection.

Key Insights

Rep. Robert Leadbeter’s legislation would classify allowing minors to attend drag shows as a third-degree felony offense
The bill aims to strengthen existing laws that prohibit activities corrupting the morals of minors
Leadbeter argues drag shows often contain sexual themes inappropriate for children
The legislation is being framed as protection for children against premature sexualization
Critics view the bill as potentially infringing on personal freedoms and LGBTQ+ rights

Proposed Felony Charges for Adults Bringing Children to Drag Shows

Pennsylvania State Representative Robert Leadbeter is introducing legislation that would make it a third-degree felony for adults who allow minors to attend drag performances. The Republican lawmaker, who represents the 109th Legislative District encompassing Columbia County, argues that his bill strengthens existing laws designed to protect children from morally corrupting influences. Under current Pennsylvania statutes, individuals can be charged for committing acts that corrupt minors’ morals, but Leadbeter’s legislation seeks to explicitly prohibit children’s attendance at what he describes as sexually charged performances.

The bill comes amid growing national debate about children’s exposure to drag performances, which gained prominence during the Biden administration’s support for drag queen story hours and other related events. Leadbeter has positioned his proposal as necessary protection for children’s psychological and emotional wellbeing, citing studies linking exposure to sexually explicit content with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in minors.

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

Protecting Children from Inappropriate Content

Leadbeter has been vocal about his motivations for introducing the bill, emphasizing child welfare concerns. “Children should not be subjected to lewd, sexually profane environments,” stated Rep. Robert Leadbeter, framing the issue as one of protecting minors from content he considers harmful and exploitative. The legislation aligns with his broader philosophy promoting traditional family values and what he describes as appropriate boundaries for children’s entertainment and activities.

“Children should not be subjected to lewd, sexually profane environments.” – Rep. Robert Leadbeter

In explaining the legislation, Leadbeter has emphasized that his proposal is consistent with existing public decency laws. He maintains that drag performances often feature adult themes, suggestive content, and behavior that could lead to premature sexualization of children. The lawmaker has positioned his bill as an extension of parental rights, suggesting that the government has a role in establishing boundaries to protect minors from content that crosses established community standards of decency.

Political Context and Leadership Position

Leadbeter’s proposed legislation comes as he assumes a significant position within Pennsylvania’s legislature. Recently appointed as the Republican chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts for the 2025-26 Legislative Session, he now oversees a body responsible for monitoring Pennsylvania’s judiciary system, investigating judicial misconduct allegations, and shaping laws governing the judicial branch. This appointment signals his growing influence within Republican legislative circles and provides a platform for advancing his legal 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 controversy surrounding children at drag shows has intensified following the Trump administration’s actions to overhaul the Kennedy Center, which previously supported federally-funded drag performances aimed at LGBTQ+ youth. Leadbeter’s bill appears to align with broader conservative efforts to restrict children’s exposure to such performances. His strong stance on law and order, coupled with his expressed readiness to initiate impeachment processes against judges who defy laws, indicates a commitment to enforcing the proposed legislation if it passes.