Smithtown Library Board's vote to 'hide the pride' draws anger, heartbreak from LGBTQ+ advocates

Florence Bracco, of Hauppauge, has a gay son who she fully supports and is heartbroken over the library board's decision.

News 12 Staff

Jun 22, 2022, 9:58 PM

Updated 667 days ago

Share:

The Smithtown Library Board has voted to ban Pride displays and any books about gay pride from its children's sections.
The library director released a memo about the board's decision that happened at a meeting Tuesday. The memo said in part that the Board of Trustees passed a resolution to "remove all Pride displays, in addition to removing all books about the same subject on display from all children's sections in all Smithtown Library buildings."
Four of the seven board members voted in favor of the ban.
Florence Bracco, of Hauppauge, has a gay son who she fully supports and is heartbroken over the library board's decision.
"It's saying that it's not OK to be gay, that there's something wrong with you," Bracco says. "That we're not going to talk about you until you're older."
David Kilmnick, of the Long Island LGBT Network, says that what the Smithtown Library Board of Trustees did is a big part of the reason why so many LGBT youth attempt or commit suicide.
"They don't see themselves exist, they don't hear about themselves in a positive manner," Kilmnick says.
Gov. Hochul also reacted to the ban in a tweet, writing, "Our public spaces should be accepting of our young people - not rejecting them."
None of the board members who voted for the ban would speak to News 12 as of 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The president of the library board, Brianna Baker-Stines, voted against the resolution.
She told News 12 in an email that the items would be removed from display, but not from the library's collection.
Baker-Stines said in an email to News 12, "I was horrified by the display of ignorance at last night's board meeting. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I recognize the importance of access to diverse materials. These can be life-saving resources for our youth. While I am saddened by the results of the board's vote, this is a reminder of the hatred and bigotry that has been festering in the Town of Smithtown, driven by those with a political agenda that runs counter to the role of the library. My intention is to abide by all laws concerning libraries, and I will do everything in my power to fight against this injustice. I urge all members of the community to continue to raise their voices, so we can create a Smithtown that promotes acceptance. I agree with NYLA's statement and hope it can be used to promote change within the board."


More from News 12
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

2:19
Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

1:42
Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

0:32
Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

0:56
Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

0:09
Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

2:16
Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

0:59
Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:01
New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

1:54
Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

2:45
Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

1:42
Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

0:27
Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

0:25
Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

0:48
Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

1:37
Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

0:31
Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

0:35
How to get rid of unused or expired medications

How to get rid of unused or expired medications

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12