(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - On Tuesday, June 21, the Smithtown Library Board voted 4 - 2 to order the removal of all Pride displays and books from children’s sections of Smithtown Library buildings. Following this action, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) issued the following statement:
“Earlier this year, when Florida was ramming destructive ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws through its State Legislature, I lamented the fact that this coordinated, nationwide assault on the LGBTQ+ community could soon arrive on our doorstep.
Well, it’s here.
Not only will last night’s action by the Smithtown Library Board make it harder for children to safely access age-appropriate resources that have been vetted by library professionals, it will further enflame hatred against our friends and neighbors and embolden a book-banning brigade, fueled by disgusting lies about LGBTQ+ people, to expand its reach.
What transpired yesterday in Smithtown shows us that we cannot pull the wool over our own eyes for a moment longer by saying, ‘it won’t happen here’. Earlier this year, I filed legislation to convene stakeholders and experts on an LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. This entity would investigate specific challenges the community faces here in Nassau so that we can implement solutions that meet the needs of all residents.
Establishing this commission is one way to send a clear message that Nassau County supports its LGBTQ+ residents and is committed to confronting hatred and ignorance wherever it lurks.”