Mississippi mayor refuses to distribute funds to libraries that display LGBT books for kids

02/03/2022 / By Ramon Tomey

A city mayor in Mississippi refused to distribute funds to libraries that display LGBT books for children following outrage among city residents about inappropriate titles.

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee told local news outlets that he has received multiple complaints from Ridgeland residents about “sexualized, pro-LGBT content in local libraries.” He then put forward an ultimatum for the libraries: remove the offending titles, or expect as much as $110,000 in public funding to be blocked.

The mayor defended his decision to withhold public funding to libraries with LGBT books in a statement to ABC affiliate WAPT News. “I have had many complaints from citizens about the display of certain books at the library. In my capacity as mayor, I simply believe the books are inappropriate for children. Sexual connotations are not appropriate for children when they enter the library.”

Madison County Library System (MCLS) Executive Director Tonja Johnson said of McGee’s move: “Funding for this year was being withheld until we removed what he called ‘homosexual material’ from the library.” She added that the titles McGee objected to included those designed to normalize disordered gender identities and sexual orientations that were targeted at children.

“[The] reasoning that [McGee] gave was that, as a Christian, he could not support that and he would not release funding until we remove the material. He told me that the library can serve whoever we wanted, but that he only serves the great Lord above,” she told WAPT.

Johnson found an ally in Mississippi Capital City Pride Executive Director Jason McCarty. The head of the LGBT support group said McGee should have followed the standard process of having books removed instead of using his position as mayor to strong-arm libraries.

“He is putting his religious beliefs and [the] political power of his position, and that’s where the problem lies. If there is a particular book that you don’t see fit for your library, there is a process. You fill out an application and they can review the book, but he did not do that,” said McCarty.

Libraries becoming breeding grounds for LGBT indoctrination

Last fall, MCLS libraries had displayed several pro-LGBT books in children’s sections. One book on display encouraged preschool-age children to use transgender pronouns. This led to several residents complaining, which prompted McGee to block funding unless the situation is rectified. (Related: “LGBT education pack” features six-year-old engaging in sexual activity, as pedophilia becomes normalized.)

According to WAPT, the city of Ridgeland has withheld two payments so far to the MCLS. However, Johnson said the library board will seek a hearing with the Ridgeland Board of Aldermen to seek clarification and receive the money. The board initially approved funding for the libraries in fall of last year.

“Books in the library are for everybody, and our goal is to continue to provide excellent library service to everyone in this community,” said McCarty.

A separate report by the Jackson Free Press touched on the titles McGee flagged as containing homosexual content. According to Johnson, the Ridgeland mayor targeted books that talk about queer family members which aim to represent gay, lesbian and transgender individuals.

McGee also specified the removal of “The Queer Bible” among all the materials he cited in the library. “The Queer Bible” is a compilation of essays by LGBT figures such as British singer Elton John and others about other LGBT figures like David Bowie and the late George Michael.

Johnson denounced the Ridgeland mayor’s attack on LGBT materials in the library as “a spate of homophobic activism intended to censor other queer literature.”

In turn, McGee said in a phone interview: “We’re holding [the funds] right now because we found a large number of citizens who have complained about displays of sexual content. We’re just responding to those citizens’ complaints, and that’s the position we’re in.”