Kent County Council has removed all transgender-related books from the children’s sections of its libraries, according to a statement from its leader.
In a social media post, Council Leader Linden Kemkaran announced the immediate removal of the books, calling it a “victory for common sense in Kent”.
Paul Webb, Reform UK’s communities portfolio holder overseeing libraries, stated the decision followed contact from a “concerned member of the public.” Details regarding the specific books removed are currently being sought.
A council spokesperson confirmed a transgender-related book intended for adults was relocated from a prominent display to a less accessible section of a library.
Antony Hook, the Liberal Democrat opposition leader, criticized the announcement, stating, “It is bizarre that the leader of the council is making announcements on social media, rather than to the council.”
The total number of books removed and the council’s criteria for classifying transgender-related books remain unclear.
The council operates 99 community libraries and five mobile library vans.
Defending the decision, Webb asserted, “In our society, children are quite rightly and properly protected from items and actions that could cause them harm – for example alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.”
“My fellow Reform members and I believe that our young people should be protected from exposure to potentially harmful ideologies and beliefs such as those held by the trans lobbyists,” he added.
When questioned by the BBC about potential impact assessments, Webb responded, “As far as impact assessments are concerned, I would have thought that question should have been asked before these books were placed in the children’s section to begin with.”
Ms. Kemkaran stated, “Telling children they’re in the wrong body is wrong and simply unacceptable.”
A council spokesperson indicated that library staff have been directed to ensure books are appropriately categorized by age and that adult literature is not displayed in areas designated for children.
“It follows feedback from a resident who spotted a transgender book aimed at adults in a public display at the entrance of one library in Kent. The book has since been relocated to a section that is unlikely to be visited by children,” the spokesperson explained.
Hook confirmed he has contacted the head of Kent library services requesting an update on the specific books being removed.
“The announcement made by Ms Kemkaran is vague. She does not specify what books she is referring to. This needs to be properly explained,” Hook stated.
Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tristian Osbourne, has denounced the decision as “unedifying gender baiting of the LGBT community.”
Steven Pullen, founder and director of Swale Pride, described the removal as “deeply upsetting.”
“It emboldens anti-trans rhetoric and contributes to a culture where marginalised people feel unsafe, unwelcome, and silenced,” Pullen said.
Erin Strawbridge, manager of the Folkestone Bookshop, an LGBTQ+ bookstore, told BBC Radio Kent, “Censorship does not stop people from learning information but it does send the message, and it’s sending a message to the young people of Kent that they’re not safe and they’re not welcome if they’re LGBT or trans.”
“It just pushes kids into the closet, into worse mental health situations. It’s just going to scare young people,” Strawbridge added.
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