A graphic novel removed from the shelf of a Queensland library has been given an “unrestricted classification” by the Australian Classification Board (ACB), which found the book may not be suitable for readers aged under 15 but stopped short of a ban.
Gender Queer: A Memoir, a 2019 graphic novel by Maia Kobabe which tells the coming out story of a nonbinary person, was flagged to Queensland police by a conservative activist in Logan, prompting an immediate review by the ACB.
The board has given the book an “unrestricted classification”, paired with “consumer advice” that it may not be suitable for younger readers.
The consumer advice “does not constitute a legal restriction” on the book’s sale or availability in libraries, director of the board Fiona Jolly said.
Gaynor claimed the book, which has won multiple literary awards, was pornographic – a view thrown out by the ACB.
“In the board’s view, this publication can be accommodated in the Unrestricted classification as, within the context of the publication, the treatment of themes is not high in impact or offensive, and the treatment of sex and nudity is also not high in impact and is not exploitative, offensive, gratuitous or very detailed,” Jolly said.
“Given the context of the publication’s narrative and its literary, artistic and educational merits, the board does not consider that the publication contains material that offends a reasonable adult to the extent that it should be restricted.”
Jolly said the review had noted that “some content … may offend some sections of the adult community and may not be suitable for younger readers”.
9news.com.au has contacted Logan City Council for comment.
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