Yavapai News

Arizona State Senator Ken Bennett (R-1) raised concerns after learning public libraries in Prescott and Cottonwood offer a “children’s book” that features a group of Catholic nun-mocking transvestites.

“I hope somebody wakes up and realizes that's not the kind of books we should be making available to children in libraries,” Bennett told Yavapai News. “We just have to make sure that parents are aware of what kind of materials are being exposed to children.”

“And if some parents think that's alright, then fine,” Bennett said. “But for many parents, I think that we'd find this type of material unacceptable and they to know that going in.”

Pages 10-11 of "This Day in June", featuring "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" | Creativebookreviews.wordpress.com

Last week, Yavapai News reported that an analysis of Arizona public libraries found the book, "This Day in June," was available in the children’s sections of the Prescott and Cottonwood public libraries. 

The book was written by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten, and published by Magination Press.

"In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ+ community, 'This Day In June' welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united," says the book's description on Amazon. "Also included is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways as well as a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ+ history and culture."

On pages ten and 11, the book features a phot of the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,” which is a group of transvestites who masquerade as Catholic nuns and mock Catholic rites and ceremonies.

The group of transvestites made national headlines recently with the Los Angeles Dodgers honored the group in a ceremony on June 16.

Golden State Today reported, “The Dodgers announced Monday they will host the so-called "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," who "have agreed to receive the gratitude" of the team organization during its home game versus the San Francisco Giants on June 16.” 

In her book profiling the transvestite group, titled "Queer Nuns", author Melissa Wilcox described its members as "a congregation blessed by a dildo dipped in poppers," or drugs that produce chemical vapors inhaled by homosexuals for their "mind-altering effects" and that "cause a euphoria that can reduce inhibitions, increase sexual drive, and intensify the sensations of orgasm," according to the National Institutes of Health.

Wilcox also described "yogurt-filled chalices offered at a funeral to represent the intake of semen" and a “Condom Savior Mass” where "participants vow to use protection."

State Rep. Selina Bliss (R-1) told Yavapai News last week that a bill she voted for in this session, SB 1696, would prohibit the state, a state agency, city, town or county, or their contractors, from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials. The bill also classifies a “sexually explicit material violation” as a class 5 felony.

"Not sure if this book meets these criteria, but since our laws are currently weak in this area, we will continue on our end to do what we can to protect children from sexually explicit material," said Bliss.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) vetoed SB 1696 on June 5.

Both the Prescott and Cottonwood libraries are part of the Yavapai Library Network (YLN), "a partnership of 50+ public, academic, K-12, and museum libraries throughout Yavapai County, Arizona," according to the YLN website. "The YLN makes it possible for libraries to share materials and resources, giving patrons in even remote areas access to over 1 million items."

Members of libraries within the YLN are able to view, place on hold, and have books, such as "This Day in June", at fellow YLN libraries sent to their home library.

A search of the YLN website showed that the book is located in the Prescott Public Library's "Children's Area" and the Cottonwood Public Library's "Kids Zone."

The Prescott Public Library was founded as the first Carnegie library in Arizona. The original building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The current location at 215 E. Goodwin Street was constructed in 1974.

The Cottonwood Public Library was organized as an official library in 1959. The current library building, located at 100 S 6th Street, was constructed in 1995. The current library director is Ryan Bigelow. 

Bennett, 63, was elected to represent District 1 in the Arizona State Senate in November 2022. He defeated Democrat Mike Fogel, winning 66 percent to Fogel's 34 percent. Bennett served as Arizona Secretary of State from 2009 to 2015.  

A Tucson native, he graduated from Prescott High School in 1977, from Yavapai College in 1981, and from the University of Arizona in 1984. 

Bennett served as CEO of Bennett OIl Company until 2006 and currently resides in Prescott with his wife, Jeanne, with whom he has three grown children.