Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to provide that an individual commits a felony of the third degree if the individual allows a minor to attend a drag show.  Under current law, it is an offense for an individual to commit any act that tends to corrupt the morals of a minor.  The phrase “tends to corrupt” has been defined by Pennsylvania courts to generally mean any act that would offend the common sense of the community and the sense of decency, propriety, and morality which most people entertain.  To avoid any ambiguity as to whether taking a minor to a drag show constitutes the offense of corruption of minors, my legislation will explicitly provide that such conduct is proscribed under the laws of this Commonwealth. 
 
Many drag performances feature sexually suggestive themes, provocative outfits, and explicit language.  I believe that allowing any minor to attend such sexually charged and adult-oriented entertainment is exploitative and results in the premature sexualization of children.  Indeed, numerous studies have demonstrated the significant health and behavioral impacts that exposure to sexually-explicit content can have on children, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a permissive attitude towards casual sex.[1]  My legislation aligns with existing public decency laws and seeks to uphold traditional family values and parental rights. 
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to protect our children from misguided and dogmatic ideologues.