Book Contested at Brentwood Library, Again

A Brentwood library book that was contested last month for its portrayal of a same-sex marriage, was again under fire at the library board meeting on Monday.

The book,  by a Brentwood resident who's daughter brought it home without his knowledge. That led to the resident, James Vandervoort, requesting that the book be pulled from the shelves. His request was denied.

Three visitors at the library board meeting on Monday again asked for the book to be pulled, and two came to support the book and the board's original decision to keep it in the library.

George Wu, a Maplewood resident, said he came as the "parent of a young daughter." He said he recently found out about Uncle Bobby's Wedding at the library.

"As a parent, as a Christain, I do consider homosexual marriage to be an affront, and something that’s unholy before God," Wu said.

He said the book indoctrinates the message at a young age.

"Like Muslims would object to the burning of the Koran, I object to homosexual marriages as well," he said.

Rev. Steve Cakouros, also from Maplewood, simply gave the board a position paper that opposed the book, and asked them to get back to him.

Cakouros' wife, Sally Cakouros, said the book is more appropriate for older children.

"The book starts out very charming, then you get halfway through and it introduces the subject of homosexual marriage," she said.

Brentwood resident Mike Horton said the Supreme Court has never upheld a book being pulled from a library.

"I support anybody’s right to bring up their concerns about a book," he said. "I don’t think anybody will ever be successful having a book pulled from a public library, certainly not on the topic we have."

Horton's wife, Jennifer Horton said it's her right, not anyone else's, to say what her 9-year-old son reads.

"I’m sure there’s many homosexuals that also live in Brentwood that are happy that the book is there, and it’s up to them if their child reads it or not," she said. "If you go through this library, there are several other books I’m sure you would not like. There are several books in this library I do not like."

She said when she was in fifth grade she upset her mother by continually checking out the book, Sybil.

"My mother did not want me to read it, so I was told (by the library) that was up to my mother," she said. "And that was a book on a public library shelf, so I would like to say thank you for everyone in giving a choice to check it out or not."

Library board president Sheila Lenkman said the board's position would not change.

"There are nine of us here," she said. "We come from different professions, both sexes, all of us are parents. We all still felt this book had a place in the library."

Sally Cakouros said they had contacted Missouri Senator John Lamping about legislation regarding the book.

Lenkman wished Cakouros luck.

Also in Patch:

• Book on Gay Marriage Contested at Brentwood Library Board Meeting