Sumner County Library Board Rejects Policy to Remove Transgender-Themed Books

In a closely watched decision, the Sumner County Library Board voted against a proposed policy that aimed to remove books containing transgender content from the county's public libraries.

The proposal, which sought to prohibit materials that "make mention of pertaining, promoting, or subjecting a minor to transgender or gender confusion ideology," was met with significant public interest and debate.

During the meeting, Board Chair Johanna Daniels emphasized the board's role as stewards of taxpayer dollars and the importance of curating the library's collection responsibly.

However, the policy failed to pass due to a tie vote: four members supported the policy, two opposed it, and two abstained.

In such cases, abstentions are typically counted as negative votes, resulting in the policy's rejection.

Community members expressed diverse opinions during the meeting.

One attendee warned that adopting the policy could expose the county to potential lawsuits, stating, "If you pass this policy as it is written, you are opening the taxpayers of Sumner County to a possible lawsuit that your tax dollars and my tax dollars will have to go to defend."

Board member Tracy Campbell Parker opposed the policy, expressing concern that it appeared "very politically motivated" and could send a message of intolerance.

She added, "It worries me that we’re sending a message that we are not tolerant of anybody who’s different from us, no matter what that difference might be."

In response, Daniels countered, "Jesus did exclude people. He actually said that homosexuals are not allowed into heaven."

The meeting saw participation from 16 speakers and a sizable audience, reflecting the community's vested interest in the library's policies.

Public comments from both sides were met with applause, underscoring the contentious nature of the issue.

Daniels noted that while the meeting had vocal attendees, there were many others who supported the proposed policies but were not present.

Another speaker supporting the policy stated, "As a property owner, I don’t want my taxes going to books that are teaching children something other than what God created them to be."

This decision comes amid a broader national conversation about the presence of LGBTQ+ content in public libraries.

In neighboring Rutherford County, the library board initially voted to remove books promoting transgender themes but later reversed the decision following public outcry and legal concerns.

As Sumner County continues to navigate these complex issues, the library board's recent vote highlights the ongoing debate over the role of public institutions in addressing topics related to gender identity and the balance between community values and inclusivity.