Sarah Palin’s hometown to move entire library section after complaint about ‘too gay’ book
The library in Sarah Palin’s Alaska hometown will move an entire section – after a complaint that a ‘gay-themed’ book was available to children.
‘This Book is Gay’, written by trans author James Dawson, aims to be an ‘instruction manual’ for LGBTQ people coming to terms with their sexual and gender identity.
The book got an extremely positive reception from LGBT fans when it was released last year – but scandalised the town of Wasilla, Alaska, after one ‘concerned mother’ claimed the book was inappropriate for children.
An organised group of activists raised the complaint at a council meeting, claiming it is “straight-up paedophile kind of behaviour” to permit the book outside of a restricted adult section.
Following the feud, administrators have this week attempted to quell criticism – by ordering the entire library to be reorganised.
Rather than single the book out and restrict it, the library committee opted to move the entire youth nonfiction section away from Juvenile fiction books – meaning they will be kept further away from younger children.
The committee that made the decision says the re-organisation, which will take place by December 11, is intended to avoid “singling out” the book.
A statement to Alaska Dispatch News said: “The Committee understands the parental concern on this book being placed in the Juvenile section of the library and the accidental discovery that may be made by younger children.
“We also understand the subjective nature of age-appropriate content; and the herculean effort it would take for a librarian to segregate every controversial book to everyone’s liking; and the chilling effect it would have on free speech.”
Dawson tweeted: “I’m pleased TBIG gets to stay in Wasilla Library and I’d again like to thank [librarian] Kathy for fighting for it.”
The town boasts Tea Party politician Sarah Palin as its most famous resident and former Mayor – though she remained silent on the issue.
