Moray Council condemns 'offensive and abusive' social media comments following 'Drag Queen Story Hour' announcement
MORAY Council has condemned 'offensive and abusive' social media comments following its announcement of a 'Drag Queen Story Hour' event yesterday.
The event will see 'Miss Lossie Mouth', aka local teacher John Campbell, lead an interactive show at Elgin Library on Saturday aimed at children up to the age of six.
The aim is to encourage children to develop a love of reading through imaginative story time, while also promoting inclusion and diversity.
However, within hours of announcing the event on social media, which is being held to celebrate Pride Month, the council disabled comments citing 'offensive and abusive' comments.
A statement posted on Moray Council's Facebook page last night reads: "It’s a shame we’re having to switch the comments off on this post due to the offensive, abusive, defamatory nature of some.
"It goes against the grain to stifle debate when we’re trying to promote acceptance, tolerance and open-mindedness but some people have taken their contribution too far into personal abuse, which is not tolerated on our page.
"On the other hand, the thread demonstrates what our LGBTQ+ friends still have to deal with regularly. And why we support #pride month."
One user commented under the post "Shameful! Just Shameful!" while another said "Why are you introducing male adult entertainers to children? This is dangerous and disgusting."
However, others expressed support for the event before comments on the post were disabled.
One person said: "Well done Moray Council! Can't wait for this on Saturday."
Another pointed out that the event is optional, adding: "Amazing and well done Moray Council! Wish I was younger, would definitely love to come along.
"Ignore the haters, they have a choice not to bring their kids, it really is that simple."
