During a congressional hearing on July 22, 2026, Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) questioned Anthea Hartig, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, regarding a past LGBT exhibit that included a 'crotch harness.' Miller, along with other Republican lawmakers, criticized the Smithsonian for displaying sexually explicit material, referencing the exhibit 'Illegal to be You: Gay History Beyond Stonewall,' which closed in 2021. Hartig defended the museum's approach, stating that parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage with the content and that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Miller pressed Hartig for a definition of a 'crotch harness,' expressing dissatisfaction with the responses provided. The hearing was part of a broader Republican effort to oversee federally funded institutions and address concerns about perceived liberal bias in museum exhibits. Hartig noted that no complaints were received regarding the display during its operation.
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Congressional Hearing Discusses LGBT Exhibit at Smithsonian
On July 22, 2026, Representative Mary Miller questioned Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig about a past LGBT exhibit featuring a 'crotch harness.' The hearing highlighted Republican concerns over the display of sexually explicit material in federally funded institutions. Hartig defended the museum's policies, stating that it encourages parental engagement with the content.
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‘What is a crotch harness?’ Republican grills Smithsonian official over LGBT exhibit
Congressional Hearing Discusses LGBT Exhibit at Smithsonian