Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded that Hong Kong libraries reverse a decision to keep LGBT-themed children's books out of public view.
The South China Morning Post reported that the rights group described the move to conceal the books in "closed stacks" as sending a "discriminatory message."
In June, Hong Kong removed 10 books—largely about families with same-sex parents—from open display. In order to access them, library patrons must request them specifically.
HRW's director of LGBT advocacy Boris Dittrich said: "Discriminatory placement of LGBT content in libraries not only sends a stigmatising message that LGBT content is inherently inappropriate, but deprives people of their right to access information that could be important to their development, health, and safety."
Libraries removed the books after an anti-LGBT group complained about them being visible. There is now a judicial review pending for the decision.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded that Hong Kong libraries reverse a decision to keep LGBT-themed children's books out of public view.
The South China Morning Post reported that the rights group described the move to conceal the books in "closed stacks" as sending a "discriminatory message."
In June, Hong Kong removed 10 books—largely about families with same-sex parents—from open display. In order to access them, library patrons must request them specifically.
HRW's director of LGBT advocacy Boris Dittrich said: "Discriminatory placement of LGBT content in libraries not only sends a stigmatising message that LGBT content is inherently inappropriate, but deprives people of their right to access information that could be important to their development, health, and safety."
Libraries removed the books after an anti-LGBT group complained about them being visible. There is now a judicial review pending for the decision.
