Statement From Senator Sean Ryan On Smithtown Library’s Removal Of LGBTQ+ Displays

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR SEAN RYAN ON SMITHTOWN LIBRARY’S REMOVAL OF LGBTQ+ DISPLAYS

BUFFALO – Today, June 23, 2022, New York State Senator Sean Ryan, Chair of the Senate Libraries Committee, released the following statement regarding the Smithtown Library Board’s decision to remove LGBTQ+ displays from children’s sections:

“Pride Month is a time for all of us to recognize the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate our diversity. Libraries should always be welcoming spaces for everyone, especially young people. I am appalled by the actions of the Smithtown Library Board of Trustees to attempt to erase the existence of the LGBTQ+ community from public spaces. LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionately high rates of suicide because they so often feel unwelcomed by society. To the LGBTQ+ community in Smithtown and across New York, we support you and we stand with you against this blatant act of hate.”

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