
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 27, 1994                   TAG: 9403250054
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LIBRARY DECISION WAS THE RIGHT ONE

This letter is in support of both Interim Library Director Ida Comparin and the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Board for denying Nita McPherlin's request to have "Daddy's Roommate" removed from the library. McPherlin states: "the book contradicts community standards . . . moreover sodomy is against the law in Virginia." As a parent, it is McPherlin's choice not to allow her 3-year-old Ruthi to view the book, but not to censor it because the subject matter (homosexuality) is against her standards. There are many other books besides "Daddy's Roommate" sitting on the library shelves that contain subject matter which is against the law in Virginia. McPherlin isn't crying out against these.

It seems to me McPherlin's religious beliefs are her sole reason for her objection to "Daddy's Roommate." When will McPherlin and others realize we do not choose our sexual orientation. Does McPherlin remember the day she "chose" to be heterosexual? I don't. I find it hard to believe people would "choose" to be ridiculed, discriminated against and hated.

If McPherlin is truly Christian, she needs to live and let live. I hope McPherlin soon finds a more productive activity to put her energies into such as spending quality time with Ruthi, perhaps reading her a book she does approve of.\ Amy Cavender\ Blacksburg

by CNB