'Rolling Back Clock Decades' As Library Drops Pride Books: Legislator

PLAINVIEW, NY — A decision by the Smithtown Library board to remove all Pride books and materials from its children's sections is finding plenty of outrage.

One politician who is condemning the actions is Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview), a guest on Thursday's "Patch AM."

Despite being out of his "jurisdiction," Drucker felt the need to speak out against the library's actions.

"I've been a huge ally and supporter of the LGBT community since I became a legislator over six years ago," Drucker said. "They're an extremely marginalized community that is underrepresented and underserved."

Drucker had already filed legislation to create an LGBTQ task force to study and learn how to help that community.

"Now we are seeing why we need such a task force," he said.

Compounding the issue is the so-called "Don't Say Gay" legislation in Florida. Drucker said those who scoffed at the possibility of it in New York miscalculated.

"When I saw what happened in Smithtown, four words came to my mind: Outrage, Fear, Concern and Frustration," Drucker said. "I feel like I'm in the 'Twilight Zone.' We're rolling back the clock decades and it's scary."

The Smithtown Library has scheduled an emergency meeting for Thursday night.

Watch the full "Patch AM" interview below.