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Oklahoma
lawmakers vow more work on gay books policy
 

Oklahoma
lawmakers vow more work on gay books policy
 

The Oklahoma house approved a $6.68 million budget for state libraries Tuesday and vowed to study local library policies on the placement of gay-themed books on children's shelves. A member of the house subcommittee that handles funds for the state Department of Libraries, Republican representative Sally Kern, had threatened to withhold extra funding for libraries over the issue of gay-themed books. The chairman of the committee, Republican representative Tad Jones, acknowledged the concerns and said more action would be taken on the issue next year.

The Oklahoma house approved a $6.68 million budget for state libraries Tuesday and vowed to study local library policies on the placement of gay-themed books on children's shelves. A member of the house subcommittee that handles funds for the state Department of Libraries, Republican representative Sally Kern, had threatened to withhold extra funding for libraries over the issue of gay-themed books. The chairman of the committee, Republican representative Tad Jones, acknowledged the concerns and said more action would be taken on the issue next year. Earlier this month the house passed a resolution urging library officials to restrict children's access to books with gay themes. Kern has asked the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library Commission to place the book King and King and similar books in the adult section. She made the request after receiving complaints from two constituents who objected to the book's content. King and King is a children's tale about a prince who shuns princesses in favor of another prince. Jones said other libraries have reported that they do not stock the books and that others, including those in Tulsa, had moved them to a Parenting shelf in the Children's section. The Department of Libraries sends money to local libraries. The department sought an additional $841,000 for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Jones said the bill represents a $400,000 increase, including employee pay raises. The house voted 90-8 for the spending bill and sent it on to Gov. Brad Henry for his signature. (AP)

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