Books that have sparked fierce battles in Texas schools over sexually explicit content are available through the library of the Austin church where Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico both attends and preaches.
An online catalog for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church includes titles such as “Gender Queer,” “All Boys Aren’t Blue, This Book Is Gay,” and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”—books critics have argued contain graphic sexual content inappropriate for minors.
The discovery is drawing criticism as Talarico continues to present himself as a Christian leader and has increasingly centered faith in his political messaging during his Senate campaign.
Among the books available through the church library is “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” which includes descriptions of sexual acts and has been removed from some school libraries around the country.
Another title, “Gender Queer,” became one of the most contested books in America after parents objected to graphic illustrations depicting sexual activity.
Conservative activist Bonnie Wallace, who has been involved in efforts to remove sexually explicit materials from school libraries, said the church’s collection reflects a broader problem.
“Just as a grown man who puts on a pink tutu and says he identifies as a 5 year old little girl is NOT a little girl, just because someone identifies as a Christian does not make them a Christian,” said Wallace. “The Bible is very clear about the way to Christianity being very narrow. Many will hear ‘depart from me, I never knew you’ from Jesus.”
“I am saddened to see the books that Talarico’s church offers to minors. But I’m not surprised.”
The church’s catalog also includes “This Book Is Gay,” which contains explicit discussions of sexual practices and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” which faces criticism for vulgar and sexual content.
According to a previous report by The Daily Wire, the church’s library collection extends beyond books challenged in public schools and includes “The Courage to Be Queer,” which argues that “God is queer.”
Texas Scorecard has reached out to Talarico and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church asking whether the books are available for checkout by minors, whether Talarico has any involvement in selecting library materials, and whether he believes the titles are appropriate for children.
