An Auckland library has shut its doors for the day after protesters disrupted a drag performer's child-friendly storytime session.
The event was a part of PrideFest Out West, Tāmaki Makaurau's newest Pride Festival, and involved dancing, songs, and stories with a special guest drag performer.
In a video viewed by Newshub, a small group of protesters were asking the drag performer to "stop grooming children" during the storytime session at Avondale Library.
According to leading anti-hate organisation ADL, claims that LGBTQ+ people are "pedophiles" who are "grooming" children in order to abuse them is a "false" and "baseless" narrative that has been weaponised by anti-LGBTQ+ figures.
A police spokesperson told Newshub they were aware of the planned protest activity and monitored it.
"Police recognise the lawful right to protest, however, were in attendance and stepped in when required to minimise disruption to the wider public," the spokesperson said.
"Three people were spoken to by Police and were asked to move on.
"We are not aware of any further issues."
Auckland Council head of community delivery, North and West, Darryl Soljan said the children were not disturbed, and the storyteller was safely escorted from the library.
Soljian said the protest was "distressing" for the team and have chosen to keep the library closed for the rest of the day.
"Auckland Council Libraries is proud to host Drag Storytime events as part of our Pride programme," Soljan said in a statement.
"Our libraries are vibrant community spaces, where everyone is welcome, without judgement or prejudice.
"These fun and child-friendly events focus on the magic of storytelling, with readers and performers who are members of our community too.
"Those who do not wish to partake in Drag Storytime are welcome to use our other libraries, or perhaps visit at another time of day."
