Freedom of expression critical to functioning society

When my daughter came out and announced to us that she was in love with another woman, my life suddenly turned upside down. I really did not see this coming.

Shortly afterwards, I was strolling through the Bonner County Library and a book jumped off the shelf and said “read me!” The book was “God and the Gay Christian” by Matthew Vines. This book saved my relationship with my daughter. Through it, I came to realize that my daughter was not “intrinsically disordered” as my church professes. I came to renew my appreciation of the beautiful daughter that God entrusted to me. Finding that book in plain sight was no coincidence; rather it was a God-incidence.

However, many in our community would have this book, and many others, locked into a separate area of the library in an effort to shield us, both young and old, from their perceived moral pollution. Next week, you will have a choice in electing the leadership in the Library Board. Do you want the Board to lock up and restrict material, or do you favor maintaining the current intellectual openness?

The First Amendment to the Constitution recognizes that freedom of expression and thought is critical to a functioning society. Having a small group of people locking books away from adults as well as children is contrary to our constitution. That is why I am urging you to vote for incumbent Susan Shea for the Library Board on May 16.

DANIEL HALEY

Sandpoint