SAGE Protests Bill Bolin
“A group of protestors rallied outside of a church in Livingston County to bring awareness to what they’re calling a “removal” of LGBTQ themed books.
Members of Stand Against Extremism, also known as SAGE, stood outside on Sunday afternoon, holding signs and waving flags on the street near the Floodgate Church in Howell during its weekly service.
Their reason? Protestors claim the pastor of Floodgate, who is also the President of the Cromaine Library in Hartland, Bill Bolin, is attempting to remove almost 200 books they say have LGBTQ characters or themes.
“This can be anything from a children’s book to a parenting book to help parents understand how to help their LGBTQ children,” said Daniel Wheeler Pfua.
Daniel Wheeler Pfua, one of the protesters, claims limiting access to the books would infringe on their First Amendment rights. . .
“If patrons are challenging books and our head librarian does not listen to their challenge or act in a way that they think is appropriate,” said Bolin. “Our board can then take the matter of the challenge, and if we deem it fit, we can move the book out of the children’s area, the youth area, children’s area, and move it into an adult area.”
Bolin says certain books, like Anime, or literature that discusses sexuality, or even fantasy books that are too explicit, can be challenged by patrons.
“Any number of things that pertain to sexuality or are directed towards influencing things in terms of their sexuality,” said Bolin.
Bolin says this new refined policy is about protecting children and parental rights.”