New Study Reveals More UK Schools Removing LGBTQ+ Books After Complaints From Parents

A recent survey found that over half of UK school librarians have been asked to remove books, many of which are LGBTQ+ titles, with parents being the main source of these requests.

A six-month investigation carried out by the Index on Censorship revealed that 28 out of 53 librarians surveyed – 53% – reported being asked to remove books. In over half of these cases, the books were taken off the shelves.

One school librarian who took part in the study was allegedly instructed to remove all books with LGBTQ+ themes following a single complaint from one parent about a specific book.

Notable titles that have faced complaints include “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson, “Julián is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love, and “ABC Pride” by Louie Stowell, Elly Barnes, and Amy Phelps.

Several schools faced challenges to books, including various “Heartstopper” titles by Alice Oseman, which were criticised for homophobic language, swearing, and discussions of self-harm.

More than half of the requests for book removals came from parents.

The UK bans may be influenced by similarly intensifying book censorship trends in the US, which reached record highs last year.