Guinea pigs in tuxes... a gateway to NAMBLA?

Uncle Bobby's Wedding has been challenged at the Brentwood Public Library in Brentwood, Missouri.

The challenger, James Vandervoort, explains his logic thusly:

If we say this is OK, would it be a jump to think that NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association) in Brentwood or the region would say, ‘we think this is such a good idea, we would like to extend the joys of homosexual marriage to younger people.'

Ag. His confusing logic aside, I always think it's annoying that Uncle Bobby's Wedding is so often described as a 'gay marriage book', when really, it's a book about a little girl who worries that her relationship with her uncle is going to change because he's getting married. The fact that he's getting married to a man (or, well, an adult male guinea pig) isn't the focus of the story.

But, whatever.

Comments

[LC]

Hey-

I read this whole article, and it looks like the issue was brought up because gay marriage is illegal in that state. The extreme example seems to have been given to point out that if you can have preschool books about one illegal activity, then it opens up another can of worms: where do you draw the line? (Even if the book technically isn't about gay marriage, it still appears to be a central focus--it is on the cover, after all.) At what point/age do you think it is appropriate to positively portray things that are illegal (whether we agree with the laws or not)? As a socially-conscious parent and law-abiding citizen (and avid reader!), I would love your thoughts! TIA!

[Leila]

Well, I can only give my own opinion, obviously. Apologies in advance if any of this is less-than-articulate!

Okay, so yes, gay marriage is illegal in Missouri. So is, apparently, owning a reptile over 8 feet long. So by the logic that Uncle Bobby's Wedding shouldn't be allowed in the library collection, then neither should Zack's Alligator. Looking beyond that, while same-sex marriage isn't legal in MO, it is in other places, and peoples' interests and concerns don't stop at the state line. And I'm sure that there are plenty of patrons at that library who'd like for their children to see their own families represented in the picture book section, married in the eyes of the law or not.

Also, while I realize that he's claiming to make a 'slippery slope' argument, I feel that it's a logical fallacy on his part, as same-sex marriage (which, as in a marriage between a man and women, is between two consenting adults) and pedophilia (which is an adult abusing a child) aren't even remotely on the same chart, regardless of legality.

Anyway. That's my take. Hope it makes at least some sort of sense.

[tanita]

*stunned*
Yeah, who says children's literature doesn't have intellect and depth. Well answered, Ms. Roy.

[LC]

Thanks for the reply, Leila, and for sharing your thoughts! Makes sense... I think we may see it differently but I still appreciate your explaining your POV. :)

[CC]

Or the Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash. That snake was at least 10 feet long. (Seriously, love your [totally articulate, by the way] statement of your position.)