A storm of criticism erupted over a book about sexual education for children after it was featured in one of the booths at the International Book Fair in Tunisia. The book's content sparked widespread controversy among Tunisians who believed it promotes homosexuality, prompting authorities to withdraw it from the exhibition. Many Tunisians expressed their displeasure with the book titled "Q&A on Sexuality," aimed at helping parents answer their children’s questions regarding sexual culture.
Social media was flooded with angry criticism of the book, which was displayed in the booth of the United Nations Population Fund in Tunisia in partnership with the Tunisian Association for Reproductive Health, and was distributed for free. Criticism also targeted the exhibition management for showcasing books that were deemed to promote homosexuality, freedom of relationships, and what they considered moral corruption.
Activist Rja'a Khemiri questioned in a Facebook comment, "Is this a book fair or a moral corruption exhibition? Is this what Tunisian children need today?" Likewise, activist Asaad Tahri asserted that the book "targets brainwashing children." Blogger Saif Ammar Midani criticized the United Nations for providing a book that "condones same-sex marriage and polygamy," showing a disregard for the cultural identity of peoples and societal specifics.
In response to the ongoing controversy, the exhibition management withdrew the book upon realizing the sensitive topics it addressed. Exhibition director Mohamed Salah Qadri informed local media that representatives approached the UN booth and requested the book's removal after clarifying the unique nature of Tunisian society, which values its authenticity, identity, and roots while remaining open to human values. He further explained that the exhibition committee was aware of the various titles on display and summaries of other books; however, the mentioned book was not for sale but distributed for free by those in charge of the UN booth.
It is noteworthy that the International Book Fair in Tunisia, which began last Friday, will continue until the 28th of this month under the slogan "Sign further than your eyes can see, and in your hand, a book," with participation from 25 countries.
