The use of 16 books from a well-known children’s book series in Tanzanian schools has been prohibited due to the books’ purported support of LGBTQ rights.
Authorities claim that The Diary of a Wimpy LGBTQI+: We want your gay children to be safe – US Ambassador Kid series offends national traditions, customs, and cultures.
Adolf Mkenda, the education minister, claimed that the books put children’s education in danger.
According to the authorities, schools that use the books will face legal and disciplinary action, including having their registration revoked.
The banned books in the series include:
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw,
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Gateway.
“This is the first list, after we checked and verified that these books violate traditions and customs. The content in them are not good for the upbringing of Tanzanians. The review is ongoing,” said Prof Mkenda.
He urged parents to regularly check their children’s bags to ensure they are not using the books.