A book on gay marriage - suitable for school libraries and kids age 6 and up?
The parents of a first-grader are fuming over the book their daughter brought home from the school library: a children's story about a prince whose true love turns out to be another prince. Michael Hartsell said he and his wife, Tonya, couldn't believe it when Prince Bertie, the leading character in "King & King," waves off a bevy of eligible princes before falling for Prince Lee.
The book ends with the princes marrying and sharing a kiss. "I was flabbergasted," Hartsell said. "My child is not old enough to understand something like that, especially when it is not in our beliefs."
Barbara Hawley, librarian and media coordinator at Freeman Elementary School, said the book has been on the library's shelves since early last year.
"What might be inappropriate for one family, in another family is a totally acceptable thing," said Elizabeth Miars, Freeman's principal.
Way to espouse moral equivalence, Ms. Miars! But by that reckoning, shouldn't there be books in the library which state unequivocally that marriage should be forbidden to gays, because some families - like the Hartsells - consider that "totally acceptable"? And why haven't we heard this type of defense from schools when it comes to Christmas songs and decorations?
I should note here that I don't have an opinion one way or another on the legality of gay marriage. I just find it ridiculous when the double standard of "open-mindedness" is displayed in the defense of politically-correct ideas; we all know that sort of excuse wouldn't fly with children's books espousing politically-incorrect ideas.
Dadgum, Joanne Jacobs came up with a snappier post title again! I keep trying, but she always beats me at that game.
Posted by kswygert at March 19, 2004 11:41 AM