Attempted book bans focus now on gays

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05267/577004.stm

Mirroring the heated national debate over gay marriage, three of the 10 books most frequently challenged at schools or libraries last year were cited for homosexual themes -- the highest number in a decade, according to the American Library Association.

The three books are a picture book titled "King and King" by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland; a young adult novel titled "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky; and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," an autobiographical volume by poet Maya Angelou.

These books will be among those spotlighted this week as libraries, bookstores and schools around the country commemorate the 23rd annual Banned Books Week, which begins today and runs through Oct. 1.

Concern about homosexual themes in books has sparked efforts in several state legislatures to eliminate funding for materials that deal with homosexuality, ALA officials said. None has yet succeeded.

Rep. Walter Jones, D-N.C., has introduced legislation in Congress that would require local school districts to create parent councils to review acquisitions of materials for classrooms and libraries. Jones developed his legislation after hearing parent complaints about "King and King."

[valerief]

1. Oh, how I long for the gay-loving days of female impersonators

like Jim Bailey. When I think "gay" I don't think "sin." I think "ostrich feathers." I just love ostrich feathers. (The ostriches don't suffer, do they?)