Missouri Officials Question Library Over LGBTQ Story Time
The Missouri Freedom Caucus is calling this week for state funding to be cut off from the Daniel Boone Regional Library after its Columbia branch held an LGBTQ-themed story time for toddlers and preschoolers July 25.
About 150 people attended Saturday’s “Rainbow Story Time,” according to library spokeswoman Mitzi St. John. The library advertised the program as queer-led. It included two picture books, children’s songs and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” Children received rainbow scarves and blew bubbles.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins warned the library before the event.
“This event mocks some of the very protections so many have fought for by exposing toddlers and preschoolers to adult material that is not only inappropriate, but far beyond their level of cognitive development,” Hoskins wrote.
He also threatened to block state and federal funding for future library events.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said her office had heard from local residents before sending a separate letter to the library. She reminded officials of Missouri laws governing pornographic material provided to minors. Neither Hanaway nor Hoskins publicly identified a parent who had complained.
State Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, filed a Sunshine Law request seeking emails, advertisements, personnel records and spending information connected to the program.
“Parents deserve to know what programs aimed at toddlers and preschoolers involve before bringing their children,” Brattin said. “Because this event was hosted by a publicly funded library, taxpayers also deserve to know how it was planned and funded.”
Library officials said one of the books, “Big Wig”, tells the story of a child who dresses in drag.
In a statement accompanying Tuesday’s joint news conference, Hoskins said he would not back down.
“I won’t be deterred in my fight to protect Missouri children from radical liberal ideology and associated forms of child sexual grooming,” he said.
–Metro Voice and wire services
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