LGBT children’s books survive banning attempt in Texas library

An attempt to ban two LGBT-themed children’s books from a Granbury, Texas, public library has failed, with Hood County commissioners declining to vote on the issue, WFAA-TV reports.

The books in question, “My Princess Boy” and “This Day in June,” were challenged by dozens of Hood County residents who demanded that the books be removed from the library or relocated from the children’s section. While library director Courtney Kincaid agreed to move “This Day in June” to the adult nonfiction section, she refused to relocate “My Princess Boy.”

Commissioners decided not to vote on the issue after consulting with the county attorney, who, according to WFAA-TV, told them “that previous case law suggests that removing, relocating, or in any way restricting access to the books would likely constitute unlawful censorship.” The decision not to vote means the books will stay where they are.

“My Princess Boy,” written by Cheryl Kilodavis and illustrated by Suzanne DeSimone, is based on the author’s son; the book tells the story of a boy who prefers to wear clothes that some people consider feminine. “This Day in June,” written by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten, is a book about a pride parade that also focuses on LGBT history.

The decision came after a large crowd attended a nearly three-hour-long public meeting on Tuesday of the commissioners court, the county’s chief administrative body. The meeting drew both supporters and opponents of the books. One Hood County resident, James Logan, accused the library of anti-religious sentiment, saying, “This library, as many on the progressive left do, hides their contempt for Judeo-Christian values behind the right of free speech.”

Others defended the books. According to CBS Dallas/Fort Worth, resident Deanna Mehaffey urged the commissioners to let the books remain on the library shelves, saying, “These are our civil liberties and our rights as taxpayers. Libraries serve the entire population of the community.”

Kincaid, the librarian, echoed that sentiment, and offered advice to those who disapproved of the books: “Don’t check [them] out. We have many books and items that they would appreciate to check out.”