The Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown managed to hold a Disney-themed, all-ages drag show at one of its former churches thanks to “restrictive covenants” included in the sale price. I prevented it.
Last weekend, the Kelsey Theater in St. Clair, Pennsylvania, about 80 miles west of Allentown, was scheduled to host a “Disney All-Ages Drag Show Night” in support of Disney. Schuylkill County Actors Guild and to raise funds to repair the roof of the theater. However, just days before it was scheduled to take place, the Actors Guild was forced to cancel after the parish ended. threatened with lawsuit Because there is a possibility of breach of contract.
Back in 2019, the diocese sold Sts. The Peter and Paul Church on N. Mill Street was moved to the Actors Guild, which later turned the building into the Kelsey Theater. As part of the sale, the new owners agreed to certain “restrictive covenants” regarding how the building could be used. In other words, the diocese did not want the once sacred space to be used for events or performances that go against church teachings. Such performances include topless dancing and drag shows.
“Drag shows, especially those involving minors, violate the teachings of the Church and our understanding of human dignity,” the diocese said in a statement. “The Diocese of Allentown relied on the goodwill of the Schuylkill County Actors Guild and the promises they made when taking ownership of the church.”
Last Wednesday, the diocese stepped in and warned the actors union not to move forward with the Disney drag show or face possible lawsuits. The threat worked. By Thursday, the guild had canceled the event.
“We don’t have a lot of money to take on the diocese,” said Amy Mills, the theater’s treasurer and public relations officer. “We don’t have the money to fight a legal battle.”
Drag queens have already moved the event to a later date. Meanwhile, the guild did not believe drag shows were in violation of its bylaws and is working with the diocese to further clarify its “current restrictive bylaws” relating to theaters.
“I would also like to state that we have no ill will toward the church.” facebook post I read some from the guild. “The Guild is trying to build a community theater place where everyone can participate.”
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
