The decision to remove transgender-themed books from children’s sections of libraries in Kent has sparked significant controversy among local leaders and community members. Steven Pullen, founder and director of Swale Pride, said the decision was “deeply upsetting.” The decision doesn’t make sense absent the concern raised by a member of the public, which forced the authority to respond.
Antony Hook, the now Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition, has been especially outspoken in his opposition. He went on to write an impassioned open letter to the head of Kent library services. In it, he asked for clear answers on which books would be censored and articulated his issues over the wholly non-transparent decision-making process. Hook said, “The secretive announcement by Ms Kemkaran is unclear. But she fails to mention which books these are. This needs to be properly explained.”
Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tristian Osbourne, condemned with righteous indignation the library’s decision. He further characterized it as “the most unedifying gender baiting of the LGBT community.” He outlined the negative effects that these tactics have on people, especially marginalized communities. Speaking on the policy roll-out, Paul Webb, Reform UK’s communities portfolio holder, doubled down on the decision. He said that it is intended to prevent kids from being exposed to harmful and dangerous ideologies.
In a follow-up exchange, Webb doubled down on his position. He stressed that, “In our culture, we have a responsibility to protect children from products and practices which are detrimental to their health… like alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. His remarks mirror a common misconception held by many local and state leaders. They assume that some topics need to be avoided around youth.
To her credit, Ms. Kemkaran publicized the removals of those titles. Her passionate remarks included, “It’s cruel and unjust to tell kids that they’re in the incorrect body.” Her remarks have stoked the fire on both sides of the debate even more, igniting charges of censorship and bigotry against the LGBTQ+ community.
Erin Strawbridge, manager of the Folkestone Bookshop—which is an explicitly LGBTQ+ bookshop—expressed her alarm at the symbolic weight of these withdrawals. She argued that censorship doesn’t work in preventing harmful information from spreading. Instead, it sends a dangerous signal to youth. “It emboldens anti-trans rhetoric and contributes to a culture where marginalized people feel unsafe, unwelcome, and silenced,” she stated.
As this controversy plays out, local leaders on both sides of the issue keep issuing strong statements. MEP Antony Hook was used to very direct language in protest from the council leaders. He announced, “It is strange that the head of the council is doing press conferences on social media instead of to the council.”
With over 99 community libraries and five community mobile library vans, this decision would have a far reaching impact across all 32 communities the authority serves. The debate continues, and many are asking how to protect children and still be welcoming to all. This is imperative for all, and especially for those from marginalized communities.
