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Belfast Library Drag Storytelling Event 'Should Not Have Taken Place', Minister Says
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND, AUG 4 – Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event breached Libraries NI policy and harmed the perception of public libraries as inclusive spaces, amid protests and police involvement.
- On Friday, August 1, 2025, Holywood Arches Library hosted the 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event featuring drag queens Lady Portia and Miss Dora Belle.
- Gordon Lyons, Communities Minister, said the event 'was not appropriate for children' and 'compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'.
- Police Service of Northern Ireland attended a report of a small demonstration at Holywood Arches Library shortly after 13:40 BST and escorted two people to prevent a breach of the peace.
- Organisers noted collaboration with local authorities to ensure a safe exit for families, staff and artists, describing the event as a long-running festival highlight.
- Following the protests, Lyons instructed his officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.
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Northern Irish minister says drag story time event 'should not have happened'
A Northern Irish minister has said a drag queen story time should never have taken place. The “suitable for all ages and families” event was held at Belfast’s Holywood Arches Library on Friday (1 August) and featured drag queens Lady Portia, who read to the children, and Miss Dora Belle, who signed the books in British Sign Language. But, according to the Belfast Telegraph, communities minister Lyons said: “This event was not appropriate for chi…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 30%
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