One day this past February, Paul perused the “New” bookshelf at the Lewis & Clark Public Library in Helena, Montana, and he saw The Joy of Gay Sex. Taking a glance at its contents led to a formal request to remove the book from the library and public hearings over, “Does such a book belong in the public library?”
Paul’s Letter to the Editor in the Independent Record and the Queen City News tells more about how this process began.
The director of the library, Judy Hart, agreed to hear comments on this book from Paul Cohen and other community members at the board meeting on August 25th, 2008. Here is our Handout of Points Paul took to the meeting.
After the meeting, I wrote a summary of the points covered by all speakers. Here is that Summary with Paul’s Notes and Answers interspersed throughout the commentary.
Tonight, September 16th, 2008, a second public hearing was held at the Large Meeting Room at the library. There were eighteen speakers for keeping the book, and ten against (two of those asking for it to be put in an adult section).
Here is a Summary of the Public Hearing with Paul’s Commentary.
Comments can be submitted in writing to the library board through October 3rd. One page of written comment is allowed.
We have had further debate on this matter. Here you can read various Letters to the Editor of the Helena Independent Record with all comments, with some correspondence as well:
Objects to ‘Joy of Gay Sex’ (Paul Cohen – 8/17/08)
Double Standard? (Will MacBride – 8/24/08)
Remove the Book (Mark Colton – 8/25/08)
Book Doesn’t Belong in Library (Sierra Chambers – 9/18/08)
Libraries Are No Place for Censorship (IR Staff – 9/18/08)
Don’t Print Derogatory ‘Opinions’ (Robert Bayuk – 9/21/08)
Our Correspondence with Robert Bayuk
Libraries Aren’t for Agendas (Lisa Marshall – 9/21/08)
We have had more correspondence with Robert Bayuk. And we also have a few more postings in the IR article – Libraries Are No Place for Censorship.
9-26-08 Addition: Paul and Victor had correspondence with one of the authors of The Joy of Gay Sex, Felice Picano. You can read this correspondence HERE.
Click HERE to read the conclusion to this matter.
(September 16 through 26, 2008)
Related posts:
From: Greg To: Paul Cohen Sent: Monday, June 16, 2014 5:59 AM Subject: RE: Seeking GodIraq, Faith, Works, Imaginations, Example, Following, Muslim, Islam, Sunni, Shiite, War, Works of Faith, Works of the Law, Grace, Mercy, Thoughts, Repentance, Denying Oneself Hi Paul,what do you make of this madness in Iraq? Regards,Greg. From: Paul Cohen To: Greg Cc: Victor Hafichuk Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 8:45 AM Subject: RE: Seeking God Hi Greg, What’s happening in Iraq is no surprise at all, given the corrupt nature of Islam and the ongoing centuries-long dispute between the Sunni and Shiite sects. The way the US created a power vacuum by pulling out of Iraq ensured further mayhem. Is there something else you’re seeing or asking about? Have you red our section on Islam, particularly The Muslim Scourge? On a more personal level, how are things going for you? Paul From: Greg To: Paul Cohen Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 4:50 AM Subject: RE: Seeking God Hi Paul, thanks for your response to my question on Iraq. You asked how things are here,much the same but it's in God's timing for change to happen.I would like some clarification on what I've been reading.I read here's the way it is which teaches putting away all my own works to please God which I've learnt to be correct.In some other papers it's taught we need to deny ourselves,take up the cross and follow Jesus.Could you please share your thoughts as I'm a bit confused.I hope you understand what ...
現在落在我們國家身上的一切都是因為到處都是罪惡和不信、罪孽和暴力。我們甚至以祂的名義把上帝趕出去 (罪上加罪)，現在祂已經受夠了我們的罪孽、自以為是、固執、傲慢、自負和叛逆。祂再不眨眼了。我們作為國家享有的自由，特別是在西方，也許尤其是在北美，已經成為歷史。
The Path of Truth Notice Board - The Joy of Gay Sex?: Summary of 9/16/08 Public Hearing with Commentary