Posted April 1, 2005.

Oklahoma Lawmakers Seek to Dethrone King and King

Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) presented two petitions March 21 to the commission of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System asking that the library reshelve the gay-positive children’s book King and King in the adult section. Reacting to the concerns of a constituent whose child borrowed the title from the Warr Acres branch, Kern gathered the signatures of more than 70 legislators on one petition and the names of some 600 area residents on the other, MLS Executive Director Donna Morris told American Libraries.

One of the petitioners, Rep. Curt Roggow (R-Enid), told the March 25 Enid News that he would prefer that the library pull from the collection the book about two gay princes falling in love. “I just found it offensive that it was a children’s book with a homosexual theme,” he said, adding, “I would like to see books that promote and hold sacred the issue of marriage.”

The day after the commission meeting, trustees on the Public Service Committee invited Kern and complainant Alan Woodland to file formal reconsideration requests. Woodland did so—against a total of four children’s books with gay themes: King and King, Daddy’s Roommate, Heather Has Two Mommies, and The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans and Other Stories. A materials review committee is being formed and a decision is expected in May.

Posted April 1, 2005.