California County Library Drama Over LGBTQ Bookmark
A mother found out that her seventh-grade child received a bookmark promoting LGBTQ issues, which led her to email county supervisors and ignite a contentious discussion.
In her message to Fresno County Supervisor Gary Bredefeld, she alleged that a woman had given a presentation in English class and passed out bookmarks containing political messages.
She expressed concern that her 13-year-old daughter had received one, deeming it inappropriate for the Fresno County Public Library to use “tax dollars to target children with suggestive reading materials related to sexual, homosexual, and transgender topics.” She described this as “abhorrent.”
A screenshot of her email was shared by KMPH-TV.
The mother further argued that library staff could access children’s personal information and suggested that LGBTQ activists might exploit this data.
“In theory, someone could use that data as a grooming list of vulnerable children who are disorganized, unsupervised, and ‘unsupported at home,'” she added.
Bredefeld addressed the issue with the other supervisors, who voted 3-2 to prevent public libraries from observing Pride Month or featuring exhibits that advocate for LGBTQ topics.
“Instead of being inclusive to all community members equitably, the library has opted to advocate and promote a political agenda that many do not agree with,” Bredefeld stated.
Activists, not surprisingly, were upset about the decision, arguing that public spaces should support LGBTQ representation.
“When LGBTQ youth enter a Fresno County library and see a Pride display, it’s more than politics; it’s a lifeline,” commented Diana Feliz Oliva, founder of Casita Feliz. “It shows them they’re recognized.”
Clovis Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pierce sided with Bredefeld, agreeing that such items cross a line into unwanted advocacy.
The KMPH report noted that libraries could still display any books they choose, and despite concerns surrounding some materials, supervisors did not propose removing them from library shelves.
Before the vote, Bredefeld displayed a sign that read “No indoctrination of children.”
