MLA Condemns Lapeer County Prosecutor for Suggesting Criminal Charges Against Library Officials if Book "Gender Queer" Not Removed

The Michigan Library Association stands united with our libraries and library workers to condemn the threats of the Lapeer County prosecutor, John Miller who has stated publicly that he is considering filing criminal charges against the director and officials at the Lapeer Public Library if “Gender Queer: A Memoir”, an LGBTQ-themed graphic novel, isn’t removed from the adult section of the library collection.

Miller has suggested that library officials could be charged with a violation of criminal code 750.145a, which deals with targeting those who are "expressly trying to exploit children." To use a criminal statute designed to prosecute pedophiles in this way demonstrates a deep disrespect for the law.

MLA is deeply concerned by Mr. Miller’s grandstanding with the intent to intimidate librarians to curate library collections according to his personal beliefs, clearly an abuse of his office.