'Doesn't mean the books are banned': Va. judge rules pair of books obscene for kids
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A ruling out of a Virginia Beach circuit court is giving hope to those aiming to toss certain controversial books out of public school libraries.
Wednesday, a judge ruled there is cause to declare "Gender Queer" and "A Court of Mist and Fury" obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.
A win for attorney and Virginia State Delegate Tim Anderson.
"It doesn't mean the books are banned," said Anderson. "It doesn't mean we're burning books or infringing on free speech. What it means is that there is extreme sexual graphic content in both of those books not suitable for minors without the parent consent."
READ MORE: Loudoun County removes controversial 'Gender Queer: A Memoir' book from schools
The ruling could impact access in school in districts in Metro D.C. including in Fairfax County.
"I sure hope so," said Anderson. "We've created a path, a path that existed in Virginia law that nobody has gone down yet. Parents have exercised their protest at the school boards and they are not being heard. So, I hope what we've done in Virginia Beach is amplified and magnified across the Commonwealth."
RELATED: After two-month review, Fairfax schools reinstate 2 books that prompted parent complaints
Anderson will now push for the court to restrict schools and even Barnes & Noble from distributing the books to minors without permission from a parent as the case works through the court.
Stacy Langton, a Fairfax County mother of six, has been waging this battle with Fairfax County Public Schools for months.
On several occasions she has taken it upon herself to read excerpts from "Gender Queer" in school board meetings.
She tells 7News she will follow Anderson's lead.
"This shows there's a higher authority," said Langton. "There's another pathway here. And if a judge adjudicates it and rules the book to be obscene then, from my understanding, it would have to be removed (here) as it will be down in Virginia Beach schools."
Still, those who support access to these book and others believe there may be something more at play here.
"The fact that politicians are bringing the suit on behalf of other politicians says it's about politics," said FCPS Pride member Robert Rigby. "It's the idea that people with the power and privilege are being oppressed because marginalized people are saying 'welcome us' and 'we belong.'"
The publisher and author of the books in question can still appeal the ruling.
7News spoke with the President of the Virginia Education Association about controversial books in the classroom:
