A drag queen story time event at a library in Northern Ireland has faced widespread criticism for being ‘inappropriate’ for children.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said that the event “should not have taken place” and “compromised the perception of our public libraries”. Police escorted the drag performers out of the venue as protesters shouted “leave our kids alone”, though no offence was committed.
The event was advertised on the website as “suitable for all ages and families” and that it would “champion individuality and inclusivity amongst its young audiences”.
Not appropriate
Lyons said that he instructed officials “to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented”.
TUV assembly member Timothy Gaston wrote to Lyons, questioning whether the event was “an appropriate use of Libraries NI premises”, adding, “In my view, it most certainly is not”.
DUP MLA Peter Martin said: “I think the issue with this particular event and Drag Queen Story Hour, if we accept that drag is a form of adult entertainment then I don’t think the context of a library and children is the right place for it,” adding, “it is not right for five-year-olds as it is confusing”.
Vehicle for indoctrination
The Express columnist Leo McKinstry commented: “Contrary to the cuddly image peddled by its organisers, Drag Queen Story Hour is a vehicle for indoctrination.
“That is what so many parents recognise, which is why these events are so often met by angry protests, as happened at a library reading in Belfast last weekend”.
The journalist stated: “Instead of upholding the structures and values that built our civilisation, our political class has imposed a social revolution that subverts family life, wrecks the innocence of childhood, and defies biological science.”
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