Following public complaints, the Chelmsford Public Library has reversed its decision to cancel its program and will host Pastor Story Hour again at the facility.
The Chelmsford Public Library announced on its Facebook page that it would host the Pastor Story Hour again on Fridays.
According to the Christian Post, this was after consulting with legal counsel from the Massachusetts Family Institute.
The library clarified that allowing the event to take place does not mean that it endorses the event or its sponsors.
Right to Free Speech
Kendall Lankford, the current teaching pastor of The Shepherd's Church, had reserved a slot at the Chelmsford Public Library on a Friday morning to teach children about Christianity.
He had organized the event in response to other libraries hosting drag queen story hour events, which involve men dressed as women reading to children.
The library has always supported freedom of speech and respecting others. After all, they stated that their goal is to be a space where community members feel valued and welcome.
The library acknowledged that its previous decision to cancel the event may have violated library policy and caused harm to community members.
They have reversed their decision to support everyone's right to free speech.
The event with Lankford was reported to be a success, with around 50 attendees, including adults and children.
Complaints
In participation in the Pastor Story Hour, Lankford contacted the library and followed the process to secure a room for his reading. He filled out an online form, and a few hours later, the event was approved.
Lankford planned to provide a Christian perspective on gender, using two books titled "Jesus and My Gender" and "God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender."
In a report by Fox News, he said that the books helped promote the message that both men and women are equal and good.
Lankford said he did not use terms like "intersectional" or "critical race theory" but was trying to show children that it is good to be a boy or a girl.
He added that every single child in the room got the message. However, it was the adults that were confused.
Afterward, Lankford received many angry comments.
Some people who commented on the event also accused the library of allowing hate and creating an unsafe environment for vulnerable populations.
They also said that allowing the Pastor Story Hour was an example of "blatant discrimination, homophobia, bigotry, transphobia."
As per a now-deleted Facebook post, the Chelmsford Public Library had canceled Lankford's reservation.
This came after other libraries denied Christian actor Kirk Cameron permission to host an event to read his faith-based children's book, "As You Grow."
For example, the Rochambeau Public Library in Providence, Rhode Island, said it would not host Cameron due to concerns about a conflict of values.
The library denied allegations that it refused permission to rent a space for the event, claiming it only said it would not officially partner to promote the event.
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