Florida library cancels its Pride Prom over safety concerns after protests against the event

[left-of-center2012]

A Florida library's Pride Prom was supposed to be a safe space for LGBT youth between ages 14 and 18 to connect with peers and learn about community resources.

But the sold-out Jacksonville Public Library's Storybook Pride Prom -- scheduled for Friday -- was canceled after protests from religious groups and residents.

Religious group Biblical Concepts Ministries protested the event and called for residents to reach out to the city and mayor's office to have it canceled. "I am asking that the city looks into this, and I would say it's appropriate to fire the library director who approved such an event," Biblical Concepts Ministries founder Raymond Johnson said.

After the library announced the Pride Prom was canceled, the group said:
"Jacksonville Public Library Cancels Perverted Drag Queen Prom for Children," the group wrote on Facebook after the cancellation announcement. "Thanks to all for this team effort to export and stop city sponsored child abuse."

The library said:
"Unfortunately, the discourse from some in the community did not remain civil and reportedly included threats of physical violence. We had to make a very tough call," the library said. "Our cancellation of the Pride Prom does not mean that we agree with -- or are bowing to pressure from -- those who protested the event."

More than 100 teenagers were planning to attend.

https://www.10news.com/news/national/florida-library-cancels-its-pride-prom-over-safety-concerns-after-protests-against-the-event

[msongs]

1. they are bowing to pressure from xtian terrorists nt

[RHMerriman]

2. Flori- duh...

Hate to wish global warming on anyone, but cripes, if there was ever a state that could stand a good deluge...

Not very Christian of me, I know, but god, would they rather these kids - who are probably pretty damn closeted in Jacksonville - go hang out on the street?

[ProudLib72]

7. Yes, homegrown terrorists have taken over the country

They should not be allowed to call themselves Christian. They are the furthest thing from it. I hate them with a passion!

[The Wizard]

3. Culturally

northern Florida is like a slave state.

[gratuitous]

4. I understand why the library canceled the event

But it totally means they bowed to pressure from terrorists. Who knows what the next library event will be that will displease the terrorists, but they know quite well now that threatening violence works.

[Celerity]

5. gutless fuckers, this enrages me

They should have just hired extra security/cops and if any of those xian nazi fundies tried to go all argy-bargy, cuff em and stuff em in a goddamn cell.

[riversedge]

6. "but I do think we broke a trust with the community we serve.".

The library did bow to the bigots. It is a public space and more police should have been patrolling the event. IMHO



..............


"Unfortunately, the discourse from some in the community did not remain civil and reportedly included threats of physical violence. We had to make a very tough call," the library said. "Our cancellation of the Pride Prom does not mean that we agree with -- or are bowing to pressure from -- those who protested the event."

Calls for library head to resign

On Friday, new crowds protested against the decision to cancel, including some of the teens who'd planned to attend. Others called for the resignation of Jacksonville Public Library Director Tim Rogers.

"I don't plan to resign," he told WJXT . "I don't think there is a need for that, but I do think we broke a trust with the community we serve."

More than 100 teenagers were planning to attend, according to the affiliate.

[Initech]

14. This is an absolute travesty.

Argh, fuck the Christian right. I can't wait until the day their reign of terror and the absolute hell that they've wrought with this administration comes to an end.

[912gdm]

8. Not just Florida.

Carnegie Library Cancels Drag Queen Story Hour After Threats Made Against Similar Programs


A few days after threats were made against a reading program conducted by Drag Queens, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh opted to cancel the final installment of the program Saturday morning deciding to “err on the side of safety.”
But one local LGBTQ activist worries what message the program cancellation sends to the LGBTQ community, especially children.
A message on the Library’s website Friday read:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Drag Queen Story Hour will not be presented this Saturday, June 29, at CLP-Main. CLP is proud to join other libraries around the country to offer programming to families that explores diversity and encourages empathy, kindness and understanding. We look forward to resuming story hour next season.”

https://www.pittsburghcurrent.com/carnegie-library-cancels-drag-queen-story-hour-after-threats-made-against-similar-programs/

[Takket]

9. Meanwhile Neo-Nazis are forcing public universities

To spend tens of thousands of dollars in security for their hate speeches.

So fucked up.

[cwydro]

10. A prom in July?

Strange.

[Eugene]

11. Jacksonville church holds Pride Prom after library controversy

Source: WJXT-TV/News4Jax

Jacksonville church holds Pride Prom after library controversy

By Carianne Luter - Social Media Producer
Posted: 6:34 PM, June 30, 2019
Updated: 6:34 PM, June 30, 2019

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Nearly 100 LGBTQ teenagers attended Pride Prom on Friday at The Buckman Bridge Universalist Church after the Jacksonville Public Library's decision to cancel the event due to safety concerns.

Around 50 volunteers, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officers, LGBT veterans, private security and more helped make sure the event ran smoothly.

Beatrice Palmer (BeBe Deluxe), the host of the Pride Prom event, said safety was never an issue.

"There were absolutely no causes for concern and no religious hate group protestors in attendance," Palmer said.

The Pride Prom event was all about friendship, positivity and love.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/jacksonville/jacksonville-church-steps-up-holds-pride-prom-after-library-controversy

[Gidney N Cloyd]

13. Good for the Universalists!

[Initech]

12. How very Christian of them!