US: Muslims don’t want LGBTQ+ books in schools, say 'If democracy matters, we're in majority'
US: Muslims don’t want LGBTQ+ books in schools, say 'If democracy matters, we're in majority'
Dearborn (Michigan): Muslim parents in Michigan got into a heated debate for the second time in a week against some LGBTQ+ books in libraries of Dearborn Public Schools. Some called the books “controversial” and said they feel that novels discussing sexual acts, dating apps and other mature themes should not be in school libraries.
“We don’t see the educational merit in these books,” parents claimed.
The Thursday’s meeting came with more rules after Monday’s board meeting descended into chaos by a large and disorderly crowd.
The packed meeting room with mostly Muslim parents Thursday saw many holding signs with anti-gay rhetoric in English and Arabic. “If democracy matters, we’re the majority,” read one sign, while another read: “Homosexuality Big Sin”.
Packed crowd in Dearborn for school board meeting tonight discussing LGBTQ books in schools: “If democracy matters, we’re the majority,” reads sign. “Homosexuality Big Sin,” says another. pic.twitter.com/ioJaYb15e1
— Niraj Warikoo (@nwarikoo) October 10, 2022
Parents asserted that LGBTQ+ educational materials and books should not be available in Dearborn Public Schools, the third largest school district in Michigan.
However, nothing seemed to be peaceful on last evening’s meeting at Dearborn Schools. Pro-LGBTQ speakers were booed and shouted out insults.
Speaking at the meeting, a gay man said books don’t make people gay. He called for unity between Muslims and gays. “The far right in this country” hates both of us. He is booed and laughed at by crowd,” he said.
Muslim leaders and community activists oppose, protest LGBTQ+ books
On Monday night, scores of protesters packed a Michigan school board meeting and expressed anger over certain LGBTQ+ books, saying they are "too sexually explicit for children". During the meeting, the protesters were heard chanting "Vote them out!"
On Monday, a Dearborn Public Schools board meeting in Michigan was shut down as hundreds of Muslims protested the use of LGBTQ books. They held up signs in Arabic & English referencing they are in the majority & that homosexuality is sin.pic.twitter.com/0L5aFWqpNT
— Andy Ngô
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