Northern Irish minister says drag story time event ‘should not have happened’
A Drag Queen Story Time event. (Facebook/Drag Queen Storytime)
A Drag Queen Story Time event. (Facebook/Drag Queen Storytime)
A Northern Irish minister has said a drag queen story time should never have taken place.
The “suitable for all ages and families” event was held at Belfast’s Holywood Arches Library on Friday (1 August) and featured drag queens Lady Portia, who read to the children, and Miss Dora Belle, who signed the books in British Sign Language.
But, according to the Belfast Telegraph, communities minister Lyons said: “This event was not appropriate for children. I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival.
Democratic Unionist Lyons, whose department oversees libraries, added: “This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all.”
‘Trying to disguise their vile hatred as concern’
Some parents staged a protest outside the library, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland said two people were “escorted from the building to ensure there would be no breach of the peace”. No offences were determined to have taken place.
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn claimed the parents were “trying to disguise their vile hatred as concern”, adding: “These events are safe, joyful and inclusive. What those protesting actually fear is a world where kids can grow up free to be themselves.”
Eastside Partnership said they had worked with local authorities to “manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists,” and that they were “committed to continue to develop a diverse, inclusive, safe, accessible and welcoming festival programme that celebrates and reflects all aspects of the community”.
The founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK, Aida H Dee, has previously told PinkNews about the importance of International Drag Day.
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