May 11, 2005

Bigots in Oklahoma continue to occupy State House . . .

by

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed a resolution that would limit access to children’s books that address gay themes, according to a brief Reuters wire report. The legislation, which is not binding and does not have the power of law, asks libraries to “confine homosexually themed books and other age-inappropriate material to areas exclusively for adult access and distribution.” One book in particular, King and King, is being singled out by the resolution’s sponsor, Rep. Sally Kern, as “obscene.” A Gay.com summary of the book describes it as a tale of diversity, “the story of Prince Bertie who searches for love through a bevy of eligible princes before falling for Prince Lee.” The resolution passed 81-3, and is being distributed to libraries across the state. Oklahoma County’s Metropolitan Library System has not immediately taken action, and has deferred the issue to the system’s commission which will consider the issue fully and may form a committee to consider the issue in depth.

Dennis Johnson is the founder of MobyLives, and the co-founder and co-publisher of Melville House.

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