House Republicans have denied federal funding for repairs to the historic Copper Queen Library in Arizona after concerns were raised over the library hosting drag storytime events in recent years. The funding request, submitted by U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (Gree-Haal-Wa), sought $650K dollars for maintenance and restoration work at the rural library in Bisbee. The proposed funds were intended for building repairs, including roof and floor restoration, and not for programming or events.
According to Grijalva’s (Gree-Haal-Wa) office, Republicans on a House Agriculture subcommittee rejected the request because the library had hosted two drag storytime events, one in 2019 and another in 2024. Of nearly two dozen community projects submitted by Grijalva (Gree-Haal-Wa) for funding consideration, this was the only proposal denied. Grijalva accused Republicans of targeting the LGBTQ+ community and using the appropriations process to punish public institutions that support inclusion and free expression.
Located in southern Arizona, Bisbee has long been recognized as an LGBTQ-friendly community. In 2013, the city became the first municipality in Arizona to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. Grijalva says she will continue pushing for the funding, arguing that “Denying access to a public library based on identity is a violation of the Equal Protection clause under the 14th Amendment.”
