Rutherford County’s library system bans four books with LGBTQ+ themes after a Murfreesboro ‘decency’ ordinance

Rutherford County’s library system board voted to remove a total of four books from its shelves during a meeting Monday evening. All of them were young adult books that included LGBTQ+ characters or themes. 

Initially, two books had been slated for potential removal. But two additional titles listed in the meeting agenda as “recommend no change” also got banned.  

Courtesy Rutherford County Library System

Screen capture from Rutherford County Library System board meeting agenda

The books getting pulled from shelves include:

• Flamer — a graphic novel about a teenage boy who struggles with bullying, self-hate and coming to terms with his sexuality. It was the No. 1 most challenged book in Tennessee in 2022, according to the American Library Association.
• Queerfully & Wonderfully Made — a book that bills itself as a guide for Christian teens who identify as LGBTQ+ or questioning
• Let’s Talk About It — a graphic novel that breaks down topics like relationships, body image, sexuality and gender for a teenage audience
• This Book Is Gay — described as a “young adult non-fiction book on sexuality and gender.” It includes sections on sex education, relationships, finding safe spaces and advice for caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth.

The library board’s vote comes after Murfreesboro passed a “decency” ordinance. The measure allows authorities to remove printed materials from public spaces if they’re deemed  “obscene or harmful to minors.”

In the week before the meeting, Matthew Fee and his wife started a petition that garnered more than 1,300 signatures. The petition advocates for the library to continue “offering a broad range of books that reflect and meet the needs of ALL members of our community.”

“When it comes to the library system, it really is up to each parent or family to determine what is appropriate for their kids. And not to, you know, impact everyone else,” Fee said.

Some residents staged a vigil after the board meeting to mourn “infringements on the First Amendment.”

At the time of publication, the Rutherford County Library System had not published the meeting recording. WPLN News reached out to the library system for comment on this story and did not receive an immediate response.