A politician accuses a Republican candidate of burning Quebec books

Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe is blaming an up-and-coming Republican US lawmaker for burning a book by a local author.

A video released Tuesday by the Republican candidate for Missouri secretary of state shows him holding a torch to library books he uses to “groom” children.

Among the books burned by candidate Valentina Gómez was Naked: Your Average Sex Encyclopedia, an English translation of Tout nu by Quebec writer Miriam Dagouzan Bernier and illustrator Cécile Gariepy.

When I am Secretary of State, I will “burn” all the books that educate, teach, and sexualize our children. MAGA. America First ���� pic.twitter.com/m8waKi3yhP

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForSOS)
February 6, 2024

The book is described as an inclusive guide to sexuality for teenagers.

Lacombe told reporters in Quebec City today that the book burning won't happen in 2024.

A motion was later passed unanimously in Quebec's National Assembly denouncing censorship and reiterating support for freedom of expression, freedom of speech and the free flow of ideas.

— This Canadian Press report was first published on February 8, 2024.