ST CLAIR, Pa. — Organizers of a drag show planned for a closed church in Schuylkill County have postponed the event after objections from the Catholic Diocese of Allentown.
A Night at Disney all-ages drag show was scheduled for Saturday, February 24, at the Kelsey Theater, the former church building of St. Peter and St. Paul in St. Clair. The Actors Guild of Schuylkill County purchased the church building on North Mill Street from the diocese in 2019.
The diocese claims that the drag performance violates deed restrictions put in place when the church was sold.
In a statement, the diocese said, "Drag shows, particularly those including minors, contradict the teachings of the Church and our understanding of the dignity of the human person."
A post on the Actors Guild Facebook page on Friday said, "We plan to communicate with (the Diocese of Allentown) regarding the current restrictive covenants. We are also looking to obtain a more detailed interpretation of the restrictions as we did not feel that we were violating them for this event."
The post also says that the performers have secured another venue for a different date. Those details were not disclosed.
The diocese provided further comment on Friday, saying: "If a bar or nightclub were attempting to open in one of our previously owned facilities, the Diocese would also enforce the deed restrictions that were agreed upon by the buyers when they purchased the building."
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