Gay story book characters are a threat

Simone points me to this link about the Alabama State Representative who is introducing a bill, with George Bush's blessing, that outlaws the use of state funds for purchasing books that 'promote homosexuality'. So there's not going to be a copy of Tony Kushner's Angels in America coming to your public library soon if Gerald Allen gets his way.

"Earlier this week, Allen got a call from Washington. He will be meeting with President Bush on Monday. I asked him if this was his first invitation to the White House. "Oh no," he laughs. "It's my fifth meeting with Mr Bush."

Bush is interested in Allen's opinions because Allen is an elected Republican representative in the Alabama state legislature. He is Bush's base. Last week, Bush's base introduced a bill that would ban the use of state funds to purchase any books or other materials that "promote homosexuality". Allen does not want taxpayers' money to support "positive depictions of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle". That's why Tennessee Williams and Alice Walker have got to go."

The Guardian story

The Library Journal is equally blistering, quoting:

Showing a tenuous understanding of the Constitution, an Alabama legislator has proposed a bill that would block the use of public funds...

[Books would] have to be removed from library shelves and destroyed. "I guess we dig a big hole and dump them in and bury them," he told the Birmingham News

If you like what he has to say, if you don't like what he has to say, either way; here's his own website where he provides contact information:

Representative Gerald Allen

In the meantime, this story has also got a lot of local news coverage from within Alabama and outside, much of it against Allen's position. Thankfully even the normally rabid Fox news has come out with a not too favorable stance on the matter. Below are some links, which are worth a read - they're enlightening. Links go straight to the story.

Google news search: "Gerald Allen"

Andalusia Star News

Agape Press

Colorado State Collegian

New Standard News

The Empty Closet

Library Journal