A contentious debate regarding the use of public spaces in the Okefenokee Regional Library System (ORLS) still appears no closer to resolution. Pierce County Library is a part of the ORLS.
At issue is a recent public debate surrounding the display of pride flags and a proposed policy requiring patrons to use the bathroom of their biological sex — and the potential for the debate to spill over into litigation.
The issue was debated, but no official action was taken, during a meeting of the ORLS’ board of directors at the libary’s regional heaquarters in Waycross May 1.
As part of the Okefenokee Regional Library System, the Pierce County Library is dependent upon the same state and federal grants that support its sister institutions in surrounding counties. Qualifying for those vital funds requires all members of ORLS to remain in compliance with state and federal law.
Recent legal advice offered by Savannah lawyer and former Democratic House of Representatives candidate Wade W. Herring II was dismissed by some parties as “intimidating” and “one-sided”. Herring meanwhile maintained that “the law is clear ... it’s not really up for debate” and warned the library system did not have insurance to protect itself from potential lawsuits.
Ultimately, the twin issues were tabled to allow the regional board to obtain more information on the precise laws governing the matter.
-Hunter Thomas of the Waycross Journal-Herald contributed to this report.
