Ross is accused of “homophobia” for opposing the drag queen story
The Scottish Tory leader described the event, which was set to take place at the Elgin Library on Saturday, as “completely inappropriate” and faced a backlash on social media at his opposition.
Mr Ross has been criticized for equating a drag queen reading stories to children with a focus on “gender or sexual identity”.
According to the organizers, the event, hosted by teacher Miss Lossie Mouth, also known as John Campbell, aims to encourage children to enjoy reading through imaginative stories while promoting inclusion, diversity and acceptance.
Taking to Twitter, Mr Ross said: “It is totally inappropriate to put on a show like this for children under the age of six.
“Storytelling for babies and toddlers should not be about gender or sexual identity.
“That is common sense and on behalf of the constituents who have contacted me, I have raised this with the council.”
Aberdeen Greens co-organizer Guy Ingerson said that Mr Ross’ view was not, as he claimed, “common sense” but “homophobia”.
He added, “Drag queen story hours are no different from panto or clown shows, both are considered acceptable.”
“Parents are there with their children to enjoy the colors of LGBT+ culture and to hear a beautiful story, that’s all.”
It is totally inappropriate to host such a show for children under the age of six.
When it comes to storytelling for babies and toddlers, the focus should not be on gender or sexual identity.
That is common sense and I have raised this with the Council on behalf of the constituents who have contacted me.
— Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) June 6, 2023
Maggie Chapman, spokeswoman for Scottish Greens Equalities, said: “Douglas Ross is showing his true colors.
“He portrayed himself as a pantomime villain with his absurd and narrow-minded attacks on a simple and innocent community event.
“Why would anyone want to keep children from learning about the joys of reading and books? Or about the diversity of our families and communities?
“Perhaps we should expect nothing better from a party that has opposed almost any move towards a more progressive and inclusive society.”
She added, “Is Douglas Ross desperate for some more cynical culture war nonsense?” Oh yes, he is.
“How can the Tories lecture us in the same breath about so-called ‘abandonment culture’ and then call for a library event to be canceled because they don’t like the way the person reading aloud looks?
“It seems the only book he’s interested in is the far-right playbook – that’s clearly where this recent outburst comes from.”
A Moray Council spokesman said: “We appreciate and accept that everyone has different views on drag queens, but believe our fun, lively and joyful celebration of reading and self-expression is a fitting way to build confidence in our young readers to strengthen.”
Mr Ross said: “Moray voters have expressed their concerns about this event to me as their local MP, but the Greens clearly have no interest in having a mature discussion about it.”
“Green MSPs constantly talk about using more respectful language in politics, but then say it’s bigoted to voice voter concerns and views.
“I make no apologies for speaking up on issues that matter to the people I represent in Moray. Many of them share my concern that this show is unsuitable for babies and toddlers.
“It is disappointing that the Greens usually simply dismiss legitimate concerns.”
