[CAPTION: above image is of counter protesters supporting LGBTQ+ rights outside Swords Library. Credit twitter @zozimus ]
Staff at Swords Library on Thursday were confronted by protestors objecting to the availability of books relating to LGBTQ+ issues.
The demonstration which started in the village before moving to the library on the Rathbeale Rd was met with a larger counter demonstration in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
The protesters were objecting to the availability of several books in Fingal libraries. Some of the books related to the experiences of gay and trans people growing up.
Commenting on the protest, Cllr Ian Carey said:
“It’s shocking to see these groups travel to Swords with the clear intention of stoking up anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments.
“Seeking to censor certain books in the age of the internet and the smartphone is utter nonsense and it exposes what’s happening here as simply a performative act to try and stir up hate and division.
“The idea of trying to censor books dealing with the experiences of young people struggling with their sexuality or gender identity is clearly wrong. Understanding the lived experiences of other people is not just valuable for those going through something similar but for the whole of society. Greater understanding is the antidote to the disinformation and mistrust which fuels prejudice.
“I understand that the policing of this type of protest is complex and that the Gardaí were focused on maintaining public order and separating the protest and counter-protest but we might need to look at the value of allowing a group bring their protest inside a library where they could disturb staff and service users.”
