Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — State Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) announced yesterday that he will introduce legislation making it a third-degree felony for anyone who allows a minor to attend a drag show.
Leadbeter issued the following statement.
“Children should not be exposed to lewd and sexually profane environments.
“Under Pennsylvania law, individuals can already be charged for acts that ‘tend to corrupt the morals of a minor.’ Pennsylvania courts have interpreted this as conduct that violates the community’s common sense, decency, and morality. My legislation strengthens the existing framework by explicitly prohibiting minors from being exposed to sexually charged performances presented as entertainment.
“Many drag shows include overtly sexual themes, inappropriate outfits, and explicit language, none of which are appropriate for children. This type of exposure promotes early sexualization of minors, which has been linked to serious psychological and emotional harm.
According to studies conducted by institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, children exposed to this type of content are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a permissive attitude toward casual sex. We cannot allow these negative influences to infiltrate our communities and disrupt the well-being of our youth.
“This legislation does more than just protect children from inappropriate content; it also upholds the fundamental values that have long defined our communities.
For far too long, radical activists have pushed agendas that undermine public decency and destroy the moral and cultural foundations that underpin our state’s strength. We must fight against this perverse ideology and ensure that our laws reflect the decency and protection that Pennsylvania families deserve.
“I will not stand by and let our children be exposed to inappropriate and harmful content. We have a responsibility to protect their innocence and ensure that the laws of our Commonwealth reflect the values we cherish.
I am honored to lead this fight, and I invite all Pennsylvanians who believe in faith, family, and freedom to join me in keeping our children safe from this madness.”
Recently appointed to oversee courts.
On Tuesday, Rep. Leadbeter announced that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) had appointed him as the Republican chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts for the 2025-26 legislative session.
The Subcommittee on Courts is a specialized subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee that addresses issues concerning Pennsylvania’s judiciary and court system.
Some key responsibilities include overseeing Pennsylvania courts, leading investigations into judicial misconduct, developing policies governing the judiciary’s operations, and shaping laws that govern the judicial branch.
“I’m humbled to be named to this esteemed checks-and-balances position to ensure our laws are being followed,” according to Leadbeter. “Law and order are non-negotiables for the safety of all Columbia County and Pennsylvania residents.
I agree with President Donald Trump that there is no place for activist judges who defy our laws. If there is overwhelming evidence that an activist judge is misbehaving in his or her role, one of my responsibilities would be to initiate the impeachment process against that person. I thank Chairman Kauffman for entrusting me with this position.”
“Rep. Leadbeter is a trusted and proven leader who I know will excel in this position,” according to Kauffman. “I look forward to working with him in this new capacity within the committee.”
The 109th Legislative District encompasses all of Columbia County. Constituents can contact Leadbeter’s offices at 570-387-0246 or 570-759-8734 for state-related information or to express their opinions on legislative issues.
Earlier this month, the state representative announced that his office would be moving from Bloomsburg to Catawissa. He will be stationed at the new location starting March 3.
