I get mail…
(Wednesday June 15) the Hillsborough County Commission is considering two library issues that could limit what you read and watch: one to prevent the library from purchasing any DVD’s which are not “educational” and one to prevent the county from expending any funds for Gay Pride events and materials (which affects the library collection too). Please attend the commission meeting if you can, or call your commissioner to express how you feel about these proposed changes. See http://www.tampasafeandfree.org/library.html for agenda items and details.
District 1 – Kathy Castor – 813-272-5470
District 2 – Ken Hagan – 813-272-5452
District 3 – Thomas Scott – 813-272-5720
District 4 – Ronda Storms – 813-272-5740
District 5/At-Large – Jim Norman – 813-272-5725
District 6/At-Large – Brian Blair – 813-272-5730
District 7/At-Large – Mark Sharpe – 813-272-5735
And from another correspondent:
Wednesday, June 15, the Board of Hillsborough County Commissioners (BOCC) will consider some very important issues that impact every single one of us, including Item F-9: “Discussion regarding the adoption of a policy that Hillsborough County government abstain from promoting and participating in Gay Pride recognition and events.” This item relates to Commissioner Storms’ objections to the gay and lesbian literature displays in the public libraries in honor of national Gay Pride Month. As you can see, however, the issue in question has broadened beyond a little innocent book banning.
In today’s Tampa Tribune, Commissioner Storms is quoted as saying that “it’s not appropriate for the library to be introducing issues of sexuality to people’s children without their consent.” Jim Norman said that the issue is about “celebrating a controversial lifestyle.”
Folks, this is not good. Please take action and join me tomorrow at the BOCC meeting. Please show solidarity with your fellow citizens who recognize that this is ignorance, bigotry and censorship of the first order, who recognize that even entertaining this issue as an agenda item is the first step on a very slippery slope. Even if you do not wish to speak, please join us. It is vital.
Here are the details:
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor
9:00 a.m. Call to order, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
9:10 a.m. Public comments begin and continue for 45 minutes. (Note: if you want to speak, you must sign in beforehand. Three minutes are allowed per speaker.)
Here’s what you should know:
The commissioners’ premise is utterly false: they are framing this question in terms of “sex,” not who people are at the very core of their beings. It is ludicrous to assert that the library is “introducing issues of sexuality” by showcasing gay-themed books by gay and lesbian authors. We are not one-dimensional beings, and our sexuality – whether it is heterosexuality, bisexuality, asexuality, or even, yes, homosexuality – is but one aspect of who we are.
Beyond that, this issue is one of censorship, equal access to information for everyone, and of our county government’s accountability to all of us, not just a few constituents. Book banning is an extraordinary affront to American values and our Constitution. Libraries are important sources of information for everyone, regardless of background. Gay men and women are part of every family and community.
We need to question our commissioners: is our county government willing to abstain from “promoting and participating” in events that mark Hispanic and/or African-American heritage? All ethnic and minority groups, e.g. women?
Those are logical questions and they need to be answered.
Here’s what you can do now:
Pass along information about the BOCC meeting Wednesday. Attend if you can. Speak up if you’re able. Just be there. I hope to see you there.
Background:
Until we as a society become enlightened enough to uphold God’s law, those of us who know the truth must remain ever vigilant against the perpetually rising tide of tolerance and understanding.
Also see Storms ‘n Norman.