DOUGLAS Ross has hit out a Pride Month event set up by a Conservative-run council, suggesting it is "totally inappropriate" for a drag queen to speak to children.
An event at Elgin Library organised by Moray Council is scheduled to go ahead on Saturday with teacher and drag artist Miss Lossie Mouth, which is described as a “fun and interactive show suitable for children aged 0-6”.
The artist said the children would enjoy "books like ‘And Tango Makes Three’, ‘Zee Zee the Zebra’, and ‘Unicorn NOT Wanted’" at the story time event.
However, Douglas Ross has spoken out against it, tweeting: “It’s totally inappropriate to hold a show like this for kids under the age of six.
“Story time for babies and young kids shouldn’t focus on gender or sexual identity.
“That is common sense and on behalf of constituents who’ve contacted me, I’ve raised this with the council.”
Tory MSP Stephen Kerr added: "I strongly agree with @Douglas4Moray on this matter.
"My biggest question is Why: why of all the people you could invite to speak to children, why do this?"
Moray Council is run by the Scottish Tories and its logo on social media is currently displaying the pride flag.
The Drag Queen story time event is being run as part of Pride month.
Last year, a similar event in Dundee was cancelled after the performer said she felt her safety could be at risk after receiving abuse online from people who felt the event wasn’t appropriate for children.
Moray Council’s Principal Librarian, David Hayden, said the event was planned to celebrate Pride month: “Our libraries teams have fantastic themed displays throughout the year and Pride is a particular favourite as it livens our libraries up even more.
“Having Miss Lossie Mouth taking part in story time for our young readers is a great way to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
“We’re breaking down barriers in so many ways with this initiative – getting our youngsters into libraries, encouraging confidence to be themselves and promoting acceptance. I know a number of wee ones who will be very excited to get to the library to make some noise and join in the fun.”
Alice, a drag queen based in Edinburgh, said it wasn't for Douglas Ross to decide what was appropriate for other people's children.
She said: "From my understanding, attending Drag Queen Story Time is optional and if Mr Ross doesn't want that for his children that is his business.
"So, he and his party and other right-wing think tanks should mind their own when it comes to how other parents choose to raise their children and instill their values.
"This queen has simply been offered a gig and I do think organisers should look carefully at who they choose, as some drag is child-friendly and some is indeed adult-orientated.
"As someone who knew they were gay at age 7, when everyone called me that before I understood what it meant, something like Drag Queen Story Time would've made me feel less like an outsider and I think that's all it is trying to achieve."
