Time is running out for American Life League supporter JoAn Karkos. The Maine woman has until 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 to return the sexually explicit children’s book It’s Perfectly Normal to a public library in Lewiston.
If she does not, the 64-year-old grandmother may face jail time.
“I’m not giving the book back,” Karkos said. “Every citizen has an obligation to protect the innocence of children.”
Karkos said she was inspired to check the book out of the library in September 2007 after reading an American Life League alert about the pornographic cartoon sex content in the book by Robie H. Harris. The book should be nowhere near children, according to Karkos.
Meant as sex education for preteens and adolescents as young as 10, It’s Perfectly Normal contains cartoons of naked men and women in various sexual poses, long-winded descriptions of masturbation and homosexuality as depictions of ‘perfectly normal’ behavior.
It’s been endorsed and circulated by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the nation’s largest abortion chain.
“The book subverts true liberty, hates well-ordered discipline, and wages [war] against peace and harmony in public and private lives of youth and children,” Karkos said. “I refused to return the borrowed book.”
Karkos sent the library a check for $20.95 to cover the cost of the book. The check was sent back.
Now, unable to find a lawyer to represent her, Karkos represented herself in Maine’s 8th District Court Aug. 27. The judge ordered her to sit in the courtroom until she returned the book. An hour later, the judge revised the order and gave Karkos until Friday.
“JoAn is a courageous hero standing against one of the vilest examples of Planned Parenthood’s war on families and hatred for childhood innocence,” said Judie Brown. “We hope her trial will alert parents, who can no longer trust libraries to be free of pornography, even in the children’s section. We now know the abortion industry is willing to invade our public libraries to distribute inappropriate information and get our kids hooked on sex.”
The Sun Journal: She’d Rather Go to Jail (28 August 2008)
http://nvs.all.org/sendstudio/link.php?M=46264&N=441&L=1968&F=H
The Boston Channel: Woman Ordered: Return ”Dangerous” Book (28 August 2008)
http://nvs.all.org/sendstudio/link.php?M=46264&N=441&L=1967&F=H
The Sun Journal: Woman Keeps Sex-ed Books (18 September 2007)
http://nvs.all.org/sendstudio/link.php?M=46264&N=441&L=1969&F=H
August 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I live in Lewiston, where this is taking place. It’s been kind of crazy. I don’t know what else she can do at this point. I pray that she somehow manages to get out of this, and to really drive her point home.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Has anyone contacted the St. Thomas More Law Center?
August 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Actually, in the Sun Journal today, where this article came from, there was an article explaining that the City of Lewiston is dropping the case against her. They feel it’s not worth their time or money to pursue legal action against her. She is still expected to pay a $100 fine, which she hasn’t decided if she’s going to pay or not. There could be possible legal action if she refuses to pay the $100.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Dear Lord, I pray that this reaches many eyes and ears and moves many souls to demand that this book and all others remotely like it are removed from every library and home. I pray also for JoAn that she will continue to be strong, couragous, and that you Lord with the help of your Holy Spirit will strengthen her in her moments of weakness and fear and give her the determination to continue to suffer for the innocence of our children. Further, I ask you Lord that her Guardian Angels defend her and remove all obsticles and barriers that continue to impede her, that her message gets out and those in positions as such that can help her and our children will step up to the plate and do what is right and just in the sight of God. In Jesus’ holy name I pray Father. Amen.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:02 am
Is there a further update?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:56 pm
This is the last I’ve heard about the situation. I don’t think the city really wants to draw attention to her anymore.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:32 am
Here is a review of the book I found on Barnes and Noble’s website. No commentary needed.
I loved this book!
Kathy, and experionced tween, 06/22/2008
I’m in 7th grade and this book was way great. My mom got it for me on my 12th birthday and i told all my friends. They all read it and loved it! Me and my boyfriend were both curious about sex and the colorful illustrations really helped us understand what to do. It made me realize that there is no age reqirement for sex. We love each other and were ready. We both recalled things from the book the whole time and it was amazing. I even recomend this book for grown-ups.