(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Conservative groups have submitted a petition urging a criminal investigation into the El Paso and Teller County schools over the possession and promotion of what they term “obscene books.” This move has sparked a response from members of the LGBTQ+ community who advocate for the removal of these books from school premises.
The petition, filed by 19 conservative groups, specifically calls on the 4th Judicial District Attorney, to probe the presence of hundreds of library books allegedly depicting explicit sexual activities.
“As a gay person… and the LGBT community as a whole, we should be appalled at this type of material going to children,” said Garrett Flicker, Vice President of the Log Cabin Republicans Colorado, a group representing LGBTQ+ conservatives and allies.
In an attempt to remove these books from the school, the petition specifically cites Colorado’s obscenity laws, as the grounds to bring on charges against anyone involved in promoting or possessing the “obscene material.”
The petition states, “We ask for appropriate action as required by law for the necessary, exigent protection of Minors against absurd, destructive ideologies that radical factions would wish to impose on the entire Community.”
Darcy Schoening, co-chair of the El Paso County Mom’s for Liberty chapter, emphasizes the potential severity of such charges, indicating that fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and even jail time could be implicated, targeting individuals involved in promoting or possessing these materials, including librarians, educators, and administrators.
Many of the books listed in the petition revolve around LGBTQ+ content and the portrayal of sexual activity in those relationships. Flicker expressed concern over exposing children to such content.
“We’ve made a lot of progress on gay rights in the last couple of years… But this is going to create a lot of animosity against the gay community if this is what’s being pushed on children…
Our educational system is there to teach the basic necessities of life… People discovering their sexual identity. That’s a that’s a journey for the individual,” said Flicker, who identifies as gay.
However, opinions within the community vary. Bridget Curran, a parent with children in the Woodland Park School District, opposes the removal of these materials, highlighting concerns about limiting access to diverse ideas and information.
“You’re removing ideas. The freedom of information. It’s not just about censoring what your children can see. You’re censoring ideas at this point, and that’s dangerous,” said Curran.
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office has confirmed that they are currently assessing the information provided and will decide on the appropriate course of action. In the event of a decision against pursuing action by the District Attorney, Schoening mentioned the intention of families to individually bring forth criminal charges.
