A CONSERVATIVE-run council has rebuffed party leader Douglas Ross after he said an upcoming Pride event in the area was “completely inappropriate” for children.
The MP for Moray said it was “common sense” that the Drag Queen Story Time event at Elgin Library, which will see the drag queen Miss Lossie Mouth read picture books to children aged 0-6, was not appropriate.
“It’s totally inappropriate to hold a show like this for kids under the age of six," he said. "Story time for babies and young kids shouldn’t focus on gender or sexual identity.
“That is common sense and on behalf of constituents who’ve contacted me, I’ve raised this with the council.”
However, Moray Council – who are organising the event alongside Elgin Library – refused to back down and said it looks forward to the event going ahead on Saturday.
“We appreciate and accept that everyone has differing views on drag queens but believe our fun, lively and joyous celebration of reading and self-expression is a suitable way to encourage confidence in our young readers," a spokesperson said.
“We look forward to singing and reading together while breaking down some of those myths about libraries – it certainly won’t be quiet!”
The party leader is also facing backlash from other politicians for his comments, including the Green MSP Ross Greer who called him a "nasty little bigot".
When pressed by The National why he found the event "inappropriate", Douglas Ross said:
“I raised this issue with the council on behalf of concerned constituents, who had contacted me about it.
“While these shows are suitable for adults, they are not appropriate for very young children.
“Story time for babies and kids under six – such as my own two sons – shouldn’t focus on gender or sexual identity.”
