The controversy over free speech played out across America Aug. 5, as Brave Books’ inaugural “See You at the Library” event was held at over 300 public libraries nationwide. The program featured a children’s story time with book readings focused on Christian and conservative values, as well as prayer, singing and children’s activities.
Hosted by Williamson County Citizens Defending Freedom, the event at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., was one of only three nationwide to feature live appearances by actor, producer and author Kirk Cameron and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines. The group hosted nine total readings throughout Williamson County.
Brave Books publishes books for children focusing on Christian and conservative values. They are the publishers of Cameron’s books, “Pride Comes Before the Fall and As You Grow.”
“It is so important that you’re here today. There are so many people who would like to do something but just talk about it,” Cameron said.
“There are some people who would like to squash and quiet and marginalize people of faith. I hope that this morning is a spark that lights a fire in this part of Texas and just sweeps across the state,” he said.
Hundreds of people showed up with friends and children in tow to attend the Taylor event, which took place in the library’s public meeting room. The room has a maximum occupancy of 286, less than half the number of those who showed up, leaving many families out standing in the 100-plus-degree heat Saturday afternoon.
Some of those standing outside were not there to see Cameron, but to protest his appearance. While the event billed itself as a national movement for free speech, some local residents said the event’s intention was the opposite.
Taylor resident Jose Orta, who identifies as a gay man, was present with a group called United Against Book Bans. They were protesting a conservative push to keep LGBTQ+ books aimed at children out of public libraries.
“Kirk Cameron is trying to divide this nation. We are a multicultural, multi-religious and multi-race-conscious community and Taylor does not deserve Kirk Cameron coming here trying to divide the community,” said Orta.
Orta said when Taylor Pride holds meetings at the Taylor Library meeting room, religious groups protest just as he was doing. Both sides seemingly claim their First Amendment rights are being violated by the other.
When Cameron approached over 50 libraries across the nation in December 2022 with the idea of reading his books to children, he was denied access, according to Brave Books. The publisher said the libraries which ignored or rejected Cameron’s request were all places that had held drag queen story time events for children.
In a video that was originally sent to public library administrators but has since been posted online, the nonprofit American Library Association gave tips on how libraries could legitimately refuse to host the Brave Books event. Suggestions included limiting access of meeting rooms to locals only and scheduling conflicting library events to ensure there was no meeting room available for the promoters to rent.
A public library in Huntsville, Alabama – one of the venues Cameron and crew had chosen to visit – rescinded SYATL’s access to their meeting room after initially approving the usage. According to FOX News, lawyers for Kirk Cameron threatened a lawsuit on the basis of First Amendment rights. The library relented and the event was held as scheduled.
When asked why the Taylor Library did not adopt the ALA recommendations and try to stop the event, Library Supervisor Leah Norris stated the Taylor Library does not discriminate or support any cause.
“The library is for everyone,” she said.
The SYATL event is just one volley in the war over whether giving tots access to sexually-oriented and/or LGBTQ+ material should be considered free speech. The fight has spread to the legislative battlefield as well.
Texas recently passed Senate Bill 12, which is scheduled to go into effect Sept. 1. The bill was originally aimed at preventing drag queens from appearing or performing when children are present, however the term “drag queen” was deleted before passing. The law now refers to the wearing of prosthetics and sexual gesticulations, in broad terms. Some legal analysts have said the language is loose enough to potentially apply to Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders and servers at Hooters-style restaurants as well as participants in Pride parades.
American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project have both filed federal lawsuits to try and stop the State law.
According to a report released earlier this month by Texas Tribune, the ACLU lawsuit claims, “In its zeal to target drag, the Legislature passed a bill so yawning in scope that it criminalizes and restricts an enormous swath of constitutionally protected activity. The State has threatened the livelihood and free expression of many Texans.”
While legislation is important, Cameron said it should not be relied on in place of parental responsibility.
“There’s nothing more important than raising your own children. Change and hope does not begin at the White House. It begins at your house.” Cameron said. “We the people must govern ourselves and do the right thing.”
