Petition to Implement an Age Restriction for Future Drag Shows

 

To: City of Midlans Officials/City Midland Council

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our concern regarding recent events in our city and to respectfully request that, for any future performances of this nature, an age restriction of 18 years and older be implemented. While we respect freedom of expression and diversity, we believe it is essential to prioritize the developmental well-being of children and adolescents by setting appropriate age limits for such events.

Supporting Texas Laws for Age Restrictions

Texas law recognizes the importance of protecting minors from exposure to inappropriate or sexually explicit content, and several legal principles support our request for an age limit on future events:

 1. Texas Penal Code – Indecency with a Child (Section 21.11)

This law prohibits behaviors that expose children to sexually explicit content. Although drag shows are not explicitly covered under this law, it highlights the state’s commitment to protecting minors from exposure to harmful material.

 Section 21.11: “A person commits an offense if, with a child younger than 17 years of age, the person engages in sexual contact, exposes the person’s anus or genitals, or causes the child to expose the child’s anus or genitals.”

This reinforces the idea that it is the community’s responsibility to shield children from material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their developmental stage.

 2. Texas Obscenity Laws (Section 43.21)

Under Texas law, “obscene material” is defined and prohibited from being shown to minors. While drag performances may not always meet the legal definition of “obscenity,” performances that involve sexual content or adult themes could potentially be considered harmful to children.

 Section 43.21 (a): “Obscene material or an obscene performance is one that: (1) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; (2) depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and (3) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.”

This legal standard provides a basis for setting boundaries on the types of performances that are appropriate for minors.

 3. Texas Family Code – Child Protection (Section 261)

This law requires individuals and organizations to protect children from harm, including exposure to inappropriate content. While it does not specifically address performances, it underscores the importance of safeguarding minors’ welfare.

 Section 261.101: “A person having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall immediately make a report.”

This emphasizes the community’s duty to act when there is concern for a child’s well-being, including in situations where children are exposed to potentially harmful content.

Research Supporting Age Restrictions

Research consistently highlights the importance of safeguarding young, developing minds from exposure to mature content. Studies from reputable organizations, such as Pediatrics and Psychology Today, demonstrate that early exposure to sexualized content can:

 • Influence attitudes and behaviors, leading to premature exposure to adult concepts.

 • Increase risks of anxiety, confusion, and engagement in risky behavior as they grow.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that exposure to sexual content can lead to earlier initiation of sexual activity, which is associated with a higher risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Additionally, an article in Psychology Today emphasizes that children who are exposed to sexual content at a young age are at increased risk for engaging in risky behaviors, including early sexual activity, which can have long-term health and psychological consequences.

Given these facts, it is clear that we must take action to protect children and adolescents from exposure to inappropriate or mature themes that they are not yet equipped to understand or process fully.

We believe that it is our responsibility as a community to ensure that our children are not exposed to adult themes they are not ready to understand or process. We respectfully request that the city implement an age restriction of 18 years and older for future drag shows and similar performances to protect the safety and development of our youth.

This request is not about restricting the rights of others to express themselves but about ensuring that these events remain age-appropriate for minors. It is a step toward prioritizing the health, well-being, and emotional development of our children and safeguarding them from exposure to adult themes.

We ask for your immediate attention and action on this matter to safeguard our children’s well-being.

Sincerely,

City of Mildand concerned citizens