Several parent-founded civic groups and gender-equality support groups have clashed over the Education Ministry’s new list of books recommended for kids. At the beginning of every school year, the Education Ministry chooses 100 books it recommends for students in elementary and middle schools.
On this year’s list, the book “King & King” drew criticism from parent groups who were worried that the book would “turn their children gay.” Written by two Dutch writers, the illustrated children’s book tells the story of a young prince falling in love with another prince.
The parents groups and anti-LGBTQ groups have called for the Education Ministry to pull the book from its list and make public its system for choosing and vetting books in the future.
The Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association and other like-minded groups held press conferences with the book’s translator and several elementary school teachers, reminding the public to be respectful of diversity.
The Education Ministry says that “King & King” is a book that will help children understand and respect everyone’s differences.