MO Secretary of State threatens DBRL funding over LGBTQ+-themed story time event

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins on Friday threatened Daniel Boone Regional Library’s funding over an LGBTQ+-themed event that is set to take place this weekend.

The Columbia Public Library's "Rainbow Story Time" event is scheduled for 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday in the Children's Program Room.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued a statement on Thursday claiming “residents” had requested her office to make sure the event is “"conducted in a manner consistent with Missouri law."

Library spokeswoman Mitzi St. John wrote in a Thursday email that the event includes readings of "Rainbowsaurus" and "Big Wig." St. John wrote that neither book includes sexual content.

"Rainbow Story Time is part of our expanded story time events and is geared toward families. The letter from the AG office does not alter our plans,” St. John wrote in a follow-up statement on Friday.

Hoskins in his statement referred to a law Gov. Mike Kehoe signed earlier this month that requires age verification for pornographic websites.

“Yet this event mocks some of the very protections so many have fought for by exposing toddlers and preschoolers to adult material that is not only inappropriate, but far beyond their level of cognitive development,” Hoskins’ statement says.

Hoskins wrote that if the event does occur, DBRL’s funding will be affected.

“As you know, the State Library falls under the Office of the Secretary of State, and as such, I oversee the administration of significant library grant funding,” the statement says. “Please be advised if this inappropriate endeavor for children takes place, I will do everything in my power to block every dollar of state and federal funding I can from future events at the Daniel Boone Library System.”

St. John told ABC 17 News that the library did not have a comment on Hoskins' statement.

The library provided social media posts showing the books’ content. Both books can be viewed below.

Check back for updates.