Missouri GOP Candidate's Book-Burning Video Sparks Outrage

Valentina Gomez's campaign video, featuring the burning of LGBTQ-inclusive books, ignites a heated debate over censorship and LGBTQ rights.

Valentina Gomez, a Republican candidate for Missouri Secretary of State, has sparked controversy by burning LGBTQ-inclusive books in a campaign video, claiming she will continue such actions if elected.
The video, which has gone viral, shows Gomez using a flamethrower to destroy books she claims are grooming, indoctrinating, and sexualizing children, including 'Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teens' and 'Naked: Not Your Average Sex Encyclopedia'.
Gomez's actions have drawn criticism and comparisons to historical instances of book burning, with many viewing it as an attack on LGBTQ rights and freedom of expression.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of debate over book banning and the role of political leaders in regulating content in libraries and schools.
Gomez's campaign has been characterized by her anti-LGBTQ stance, with promises to ban gender-affirming health care for trans youth and eliminate electronic voting machines.