On Tuesday, House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Mike Johnson (R-La.), together with 33 Republican members of Congress, introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act of 2022.
According to the Christian Coalition of America, the bill “prohibits the use of federal funds to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10” and “prohibits federal funds from being used to host or promote events where adults dance salaciously or strip for children.”
“Sexually-oriented material” is defined in the bill as “any depiction, description, or simulation of sexual activity, any lewd or lascivious depiction or description of human genitals, or any topic involving sexual orientation, gender identity, gender dysphoria, or related subjects.” “Stripping” is defined in the bill as “any act which involves the removal or simulated removal of clothing in a sexual manner for the entertainment of one or more individuals.”
There is no compelling reason why anyone would oppose a bill of this nature. Republicans and Democrats alike should support this bill, which serves to protect the nation’s children from such content. Minors aren’t allowed at strip clubs and movies have age requirements. Why, then, would children be permitted to view, or to be exposed, to such content? As set forth in the bill, there have been too many instances where federal funds have been utilized to promote such material.
For example, one provision in the bill states that “Federal agencies like the Department of Defense have used Federal funds to promote and host burlesque shows and drag shows on Federal property during family-oriented events.” Another provision in the bill states that “State and local library systems, museums, and other educational institutions that receive Federal grants have purchased sexually-oriented literature and materials that target preadolescent children and teach them about concepts like masturbation, pornography, sexual acts, and gender transition.” Other examples can be found here.
Children under 10 years of age should not be exposed to this type of material. Notwithstanding, there are too many instances where children are exposed to such things as drag shows and/or radical gender ideology. While there are many reasons why children should not be exposed to such material at all, the fact that federal funds are being utilized to promote such material is shocking and troubling.
This bill aims to stop the use of federal funds for this purpose. In doing so, it allows a parent or legal guardian of a child to file a lawsuit for injunctive relief against a government official, government agency, or private entity who violates the provision(s) of the bill. If an entity receives two or more injunctions for violations within a five-year period, the entity would lose access to federal funds for three years.
Ideally, this bill should receive bipartisan support. Children are not political tools and must be protected. Their youth and innocence should be cherished, not tarnished. This bill aims to do just that.
