2018 | Week of September 3 | #1271
I didn’t want to do this commentary. I wanted to do something completely positive, but everyone, parents especially, needs to hear this message. But before I bring the bad news, I do have some very encouraging news to share, coming out of California, of all places.
Earlier this year, a liberal California state legislator introduced a dastardly bill that at a minimum banned paid conversion therapy in that state. Attorneys scrutinizing that bill soon realized it would go far beyond that, even to banning the sale of books that advocate that people dealing with unwanted sexual orientation or gender identity issues can actually change and have victory of these challenges. The bill had the attention of people all across the country.
I figured in spite of the excellent and incredibly tenacious work of my colleague leading the California Family Council, this bill would be signed into law this fall. I am happy, indeed thrilled, to report that last Friday, the author of this bill pulled it, announcing publicly that he was withdrawing it, at least for this session. I hope you can appreciate how very unprecedented this is, especially on this issue, when those pushing the LGBTQ agenda have been so successful of late in moving these bills in local and state governments, as we have witnessed right here in our state.
Apparently, the author had taken time over the last several months to meet with faith-leaders around the state—and those meetings had some impact—as did the aggressive grassroots’ efforts from citizens opposing this very bad law. The bill will likely come back next session in some form, but for now, God intervened and the people of California—and really all of us across the country—have a reprieve. I am so grateful for Jonathan Keller and his team at California Family Council for providing the extraordinary leadership that is so critical in battles like this. God honored their faith and their work—and we give God glory and thanks.
And now for the not-so-good news and somewhat related to the just-delivered good news. Across the country over the last year, public libraries have been hosting Drag Queen Story Hour. You heard that right…Drag Queen Story Hour. That which used to be shameful is now being promoted for children through public library story hours.
The promoters’ website says it all: “Drag Queen Story Hour is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DQSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.”
The whole event is circus-like, complete with the readers coming in brightly colored, full drag queen apparel and make-up. Nothing is left to the imagination. Check out the website: dragqueenstoryhour.org.
This is disgusting and outrageous and should not be permitted in any public library for any age group, let alone being done especially for children. If you think it’s not been in Wisconsin libraries, you would be wrong. We know it’s been in Milwaukee and Madison already, and we have every reason to believe other libraries are considering bringing in this trash that is built on lies. We know the group sponsoring it is pushing libraries everywhere to participate.
Every concerned citizen needs to be aware of this assault on general decency and even more egregious on the impressionable minds and hearts of children. I urge you to contact your local library and find out if there are any plans to bring this debauchery to your community. Seriously, the best defense on this is a good, pro-active offense. Don’t wait. Ask. If they are considering having this Drag Queen Story Hour, graciously but firmly register your opposition.
Follow up talking with library staff by contacting at least one member of your library board. Every public library in Wisconsin is governed by a board of trustees. You should be able to find their names and contact information on the library’s website. Get in touch with the board president at a minimum. If you don’t get satisfactory answers, find out when the board meets and show up at a meeting and speak to the entire board.
Please don’t assume someone else will take action. You need to be the change agent here—for the sake of the children—just like the good citizens of California did on the conversion therapy ban legislation. As the book of James admonishes us, show your faith by your works.
This is Julaine Appling with Wisconsin Family Council, reminding you the Prophet Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
