Orange City, IA: Culture Warriors Fight to Eliminate or Segregation Books with LGBTQ Content from Library

Orange City Public Library Board of Trustees

There has been contention in Orange City, IA, recently after somebody filed a complaint with the Orange City Public Library about a book featuring LGBTQ content. The complaint gained a lot of disagreeable attention, which led to that person rescinding the complaint. However, the complaint prompted the Orange City Public Library Board of Trustees to review policies involving LGBTQ content at yesterday's board meeting.

We urge the staff, board members, and council members to: (1) approve the labeling and separate shelving of materials* that deal primarily LGBTQ issues to patrons and parents can be fully informed and exercise discretion when selecting library materials to check out for themselves or their family, (2) provide on each computer terminal and online interface book rating services... so each patron can make a conscious and informed decision about the materials to be checked out, and (3) halt new acquisition of any additional materials that primarily deal with LGBTQ materials before a public discussion can be held about the acquisition so valuable feedback can be given by important stakeholders such as parents, teachers, and faith communities. (*Includes 168 print, audiovisual, or online sources as of December 2017)

It was noted during the board meeting, that the 168 titles referenced in the petition were compiled in such a way that it includes both pro- and anti-LGBTQ content in that number.

The board meeting went on for about 45 minutes. People were given about a minute each to express their opinion on this topic. Basically, people were concerned that gay sexuality and trans gender identity are sinful topics. They were concerned that parents' rights were being overruled by the presence of these books. Or they were glad to have access to such content.

The board meeting ended the meeting with a promise to consider and discuss the comments made by the public and with an invitation to the 100-plus residents to come to future meetings.

It's worth remembering that Orange City, IA, held the community's first gay pride festival in October 2017, shortly before this controversy erupted. Culture warrior payback, possibly?