Delegates at Fórsa trade union’s conference in Cork last week backed an emergency motion calling for improved protections for library staff against the growing threat of harassment and intimidation by anti-LGBTQ+ protesters.

In recent months a number of libraries across the country have been subject to small groups of protestors seeking the removal of books with LGBTQ+ content.

Fórsa members supported the motion which recommits union efforts to stand in support and solidarity with LGBTQ+ people, and to oppose and campaign against the rise of homophobia and transphobia.

The union is to seek that local authorities undertake an immediate health and safe risk assessment of public libraries, and the threat posed by such protesters at libraries.

Fórsa is also to engage with An Garda Síochána to highlight any threat and agree emergency measures to protect staff, users, public buildings, books and property.

Fórsa said local authorities shouldn’t respond to pressure by protesters to remove books containing LGBTQ+ content.       

Fórsa delegates backed the motion in support of the union’s librarian members, including county Chair of the Cork Health and Local Government division Paula Courtney, who brought the motion to conference.

Speaking to RedFM News Paula said staff find it particularly distressing to be filmed by the protestors.

Fórsa said libraries represent community hubs for social integration, serving as centres of cultural, educational, and academic learning, and must be places free from harassment and intimidation for both staff and library users.