FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On Tuesday, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting is expected to draw debate as county leaders consider whether to support Pride Month activities at local libraries.
The item is scheduled to go before the board on Tuesday morning. Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld told Action News he plans to oppose the item.
Ahead of the meeting, activists, advocates and local leaders gathered outside the Hall of Records in Downtown Fresno, calling for unity and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community one month before Pride Month.
“I believe the public libraries are sacred places whose mission is to welcome people of all ages, all backgrounds, and of all beliefs,” said Rev. Tim Kutzmark of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno.
In a social media post made by Bredefeld last week, he wrote in part that “the Board of Supervisors will be asked by the Fresno County Library to approve and support their ongoing efforts to indoctrinate young children regarding the LGBTQ political agenda,” adding that he “will fight against what the library is doing.”
“It’s an attack on our queer and transgender youth. It is obvious bullying. It is obvious virtue signaling,” said Tracie Cisneros, a parent and the Volunteer Coordinator with Fresno Rainbow Pride.
Bredefeld defended his position, saying children should be able to access library materials without exposure to what he described as ideology.
“Kids ought to be able to go to the library like we did when we were young, learn about history and whatever else they want to without having some ideology crammed down their throats,” he said.
Last year, Supervisors passed a policy requiring county departments to obtain board approval to sponsor events. The board also approved a motion requiring other celebrations or recognitions to receive approval.
“It’s very different. They’re promoting the sexualization of children. We’ve seen it with drag queen shows in the library. It’s very evident. It’s evident it’s destructive,” he said.
Supporters of the library’s efforts expressed concern about potential impacts on LGBTQIA+ youth.
“You can disagree with something that’s there, it doesn’t mean you have to engage with it,” said community activist Stetler Brown.
Bredefeld said there is no plan to ban or remove Pride-themed books from libraries.
