On January 12, 2023, Legislative Bill 371 (LB 371) was introduced by Republicans in the Nebraska Legislature.
The bill protects children from being exposed to drag shows. In part, the bill prohibits an individual under 19 to be present at a drag show, and it forbids anyone under 21 from attending a drag show where alcohol is served. In addition, the bill imposes penalties on adults who bring anyone under 19 to a drag show and prohibits “a state agency from using state funds to host a drag show.”
The bill defines a “drag show” as a performance in which a performer “exhibits a gender identity that is different than the performer’s gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup, or other physical markers; and the performer sings, lip syncs, dances, or otherwise performs before an audience for entertainment.”
Seems like common sense
It’s difficult to fathom anyone arguing against this. Common sense dictates that we protect the most innocent among us from inappropriate behavior, and that we clearly define what qualifies as adult behavior.
After all, we set age limits for purchasing alcohol, driving, joining the military, and voting. In these areas we recognize that a certain level of maturity is necessary before someone can participate in these activities. Wise judgement requires maturity.
But common sense rarely governs our morality anymore, especially where sexuality is concerned. And our culture is progressively banning biblical values, which often coincide with common sense.
Should VBS be banned?
So, according to one lawmaker, if children should be prohibited from attending drag shows, they should be prohibited from attending a church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS).
Democratic State Sen. Megan Hunt suggested an amendment to LB 371 which would ban children under 19 from attending a “religious indoctrination camp,” such as a “vacation Bible study, retreat, lock-in, or convention held by a church, youth group, or religious organization for the purpose of indoctrinating children with a specific set of religious beliefs.”
She intends to kill LB 371 by, she hopes, illustrating that it is “unconstitutional.” Her amendment asserts there is a “well-documented history of indoctrination and sexual abuse perpetrated by religious leaders and clergy people upon children.”
Hunt admits that her amendment is meant to be a tongue-in-cheek response to Republicans and LB 371. “This is an amendment that I will use to make a point,” Hunt told Fox News Digital. “I would withdraw it if it had the votes to pass. It’s a device to make a point, so there is no need to worry.”
And what point would that be? She says she wants to “kill harmful and discriminatory bills like LB371.” The ACLU agrees with her.
Jane Seu, of the ACLU of Nebraska, argued that LB 371 is an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment right to free speech “rooted in a coordinated national effort to push LGBTQ+ people out of public life.”
One of these things is not like the other
That’s absurd. The bill does not prohibit drag performers from dancing, but it stops adults from bringing children to drag shows.
And “no need to worry”? I disagree. That Sen. Hunt uses sexual abuse as a “device,” in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, is reason enough to be alarmed.
Even so, she opens the door to a comparison that needs a response, especially as hostility toward Christianity is increasing in our culture.
So, are drag shows and church events for kids anything like? Absolutely not. Here’s why.
- We have vastly different intentions
The difference between a drag show and a VBS, Sunday School, Bible study, or church event of any kind for children should be fairly obvious. It’s the intent behind each that matters.
A church-related event for children is not designed to introduce them to behavior that exceeds their maturity level. Quite the opposite. Church events, like VBS, intentionally introduce children and families to Jesus, to God, and to a wholesome and healthy community of faith in age-appropriate ways.
The objective is clarity, knowledge, and truth (Eph. 4:21). We want children to know God. And we do not intentionally solicit faith responses from children who are not old enough to grasp the nature of their decision.
But a drag show doesn’t clarify. It confuses, perverts, and distorts the truth.
Adults who bring children to drags shows intentionally introduce them to a highly sexualized environment that will contribute to gender confusion and sexual disfunction. Even basic cultural guidelines (see here and here) advise against exposing children to sexual behavior they are not mature enough to handle.
- We acknowledge that bad things happen at church
Yes, children have been sexually abused in religious settings. No one disputes that. But that is an aberration, a reprehensible action or crime that must be dealt with. It is not the intention of the church event.
Sometimes evil people use religious settings to manipulate and deceive and even abuse children. In fact, these actions confirm the biblical teaching on sin. People behave inappropriately toward children because they are sinners, and they need salvation in Christ like the rest of us do (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Such abusive behavior is a heinous crime. Anyone in any religion, especially Christianity, who would condone such acts has no grasp of Christian morality, little or no conscience, and are complicit in the crime itself.
So the difference should be obvious. Christians do not condone or tolerate such behavior at our events, including VBS. And we would prosecute those who behave that way.
But a drag show is just the opposite. This is not some random misbehavior with an occasional bad actor who is a horrible exception to an otherwise noble and moral enterprise.
For a drag show, this is the rule. The drag show is a sexually charged event, and the only reason adults would permit children at a drag show is to expose them to sexual behavior beyond their maturity level.
- We will be held accountable for how we treat children
Last, Christians provide healthy, age-appropriate events for children because we have a biblical mandate to teach, protect, and love children. And we know that we will be held accountable for the way we treat children.
Jesus confirmed the significance of childhood by being a child. He did not skip His own formative years to become an adult (Luke 2:40).
And Jesus advocated for children and for childhood. He taught that kids have a special place in the heart of God and that their innocence reflects the kind of faith that pleases God. He welcomed them, loved them, and warned against preventing children from having access to Him (Mark 10:13-16).
But even more to the point, Jesus warned with unequivocal candor that God judges those who intentionally harm a child. And that judgement will be swift and severe (Matt. 18:1-6).
We advocate for children
So Christians advocate for children. Our church events reflect our belief that God loves kids, and we should too.
Sen. Hunt’s amendment, though meant to be tongue-in-cheek, tries to compare two things that have nothing in common.
One should be prohibited. The other should be encouraged. One is simply not like the other. And it never will be.
And what does it say about us if we can’t tell the difference?
And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matt. 18:5-6