The city of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, plans to ban all LGBT-themed books from the county library through a newly passed restriction on public homosexuality. Section 21-72 effectively bans public displays of affection for same-sex couples and specifically identifies homosexuality as a form of sexual conduct.
Violators could face a two-year ban on hosting public events and selling goods and services or a five-year ban for those caught breaking the rule “in the presence of minors.” The Rutherford County Library Board (RCLB) used the ordinance to ban all LGBT-themed books from the library, with board members asserting their right to “enforce community standards.”
Some of the prohibited books include “Flamer” by Mike Curato, “Let’s Talk About It” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan, “Queerfully & Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens” by Jennifer Knapp, and “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson.
The RCLB also implemented a tiered library card system, limiting most LGBT nonfiction materials to adult borrowers. Starting next year, children and teens will only be able to check out books designated for their age group unless parents grant them permission to borrow adult titles. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) has challenged the restriction, but city officials have ratified the measure.
Section 21-72 made headlines after officials attempted to enforce a ban on the LGBT BoroPride festival in October. A federal magistrate ruled in favor of ACLU-TN, and the event pushed through last October 28.
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