Unpopular reads

By JESSICA MAYRER Chronicle Staff Writer

As libraries and book stores across the nation celebrate Banned Books Week, aiming to ensure that unpopular or unorthodox views remain available for those who want to read about them, a group in Helena is trying to pull a book about gay sex from library shelves.

DEIRDRE EITEL/CHRONICLE Bozeman Public Library aide Kelley Smith holds an armload of books that have been previously banned at schools and libraries. The library has a cartload of banned books on display to commemorate banned books week. Tax dollars should not support permissive stances on sexuality, said Paul Cohen, who is leading an effort to remove “The Joy of Gay Sex,” from Helena’s Lewis and Clark Library.

“Why would you want to have Drano in your kitchen cabinet?” He asked. “It’s a toxic book.”

Graphic portrayals of heterosexual sex, as with “The Joy of Sex” aren’t OK either, he said. But, he said, children shouldn’t be able to learn about “overly permissive behavior” on the taxpayer’s dime.

“The book is promoting homosexuality as a healthy thing. But it’s not a healthy thing,” Cohen said.

In addition to the one book about gay sex, the Lewis and Clark Library has one book about lesbian sex and 58 for heterosexuals, said director Judy Hart. They use a strict book-selection protocol, aiming to represent all segments of society.

“We select material from a wide range of viewpoints. It’s our obligation,” Hart said. “Items that may be controversial or offensive to some may be included.”

The Bozeman Public Library does not have “The Joy of Gay Sex in its collection, though, they do have “The Ins and Outs of Gay Sex: A Medical Handbook for Men.”

Throughout history, attempts have been made to limit unpopular or inflammatory works such as John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” and Maya Angelou’s “I know why the caged bird sings.”

Banned Book Week was launched in 1982 in response to attempts to remove literary works from schools, bookstores and libraries. Since then, a range of objections, including violence, sexual content and unpopular religious views have prompted efforts to yank more than 1,000 books.

Some argue it’s never justified.

“People should make the choices on their own,” said Leslie McCleary from Llama Llama Books in Bozeman, a Banned Books Week Participant.

Some say it’s pointless to limit access.

“These kids are going to learn it on the street,” Immanuel Pausanos said while checking out a book at the Bozeman library. “Kids know a lot more then we think they do.”

“It’s all on the Internet,” he said.

Cohen maintains that he’s not out to ban anything. The book will still be available for purchase. He just doesn’t want tax dollars paying for a book he finds morally abhorrent.

And, Cohen said, he’s not the only one. Some folks are afraid to speak out, because they could be branded a homophobe or a bigot.

“People cite free speech,” he said. “What I see is the opposite. Many people are afraid to say anything.”

But, while Kelley Smith, an aide at the Bozeman Public Library, often finds books objectionable, limiting what people read only stifles knowledge and dialogue, she said.

“I can’t believe these even get printed. I can’t believe people are writing about this,” she said of some works. “But, no, I don’t believe that right should be taken away.”

And, Hart said, “The Joy of Gay Sex” includes a range of beneficial information, including safe sex practices and how to talk to family members about being gay.

“There’s a lot of great information for gay men,” she said.

Another attempt to remove an earlier edition of the same book failed in 1993, Hart said. That was the last formal appeal to remove anything from the Lewis and Clark public library.

A public hearing Sept. 16 gave folks the chance to voice opinions for and against. A committee of librarians evaluated it and deemed the book suitable, Hart said. The request will go before the Lewis and Clark Library Board of Trustees on Oct. 21. They will take written comments until 4 p.m. this Friday.

But, as Banned Book Week continues, book lovers in Bozeman, Helena and across the nation will savor the right to read whatever they like.

“Banned Book Week is celebrating the freedom to read and to make choices,” Hart said.

Jessica Mayrer can be reached at jmayrer@dailychronicle.com or 582-2635.

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