During a borough meeting on June 30, Peapack-Gladstone Councilman Conor Sweeney criticized a Pride month display at the Somerset County Library for showcasing what he described as “sexually explicit content.”
“Ideologies and political pushing of any type in a public space such as this is unacceptable,” Sweeney said in a video about the display on his X account. “Especially when some of the books are sexually explicit and pushing dangerous ideology such as the transgender life.”
Sweeney has had a history of making inflammatory remarks about the LGBT community. This includes stating that “transgenderism is a mental illness” regarding whether transgender female officers would be included in a police department rule change.
While he criticized the books and their content, Sweeney quickly clarified that he was not advocating for the books to be removed from the library, only moved to a different section. Peapack-Gladstone Mayor Mark Corigliano has openly critiqued Sweeney’s behavior during
meetings, saying Sweeney’s statements were “misplaced and inappropriate” in a written rebuke. When asked for a comment about the meeting, Corigliano expressed disapproval at Sweeney’s conduct.
“Councilman Sweeney’s opinions do not represent the opinion or view of this borough or of the council,” Corigliano said. “He is voicing his personal opinion, which he has a right to do.”
Corigliano suggested that Sweeney take his views to the state or federal level, rather than promoting them in local politics.
“We are not here to use our positions for our personal aggrandizement or use it as a soapbox to promote our own causes,” Corigliano said. “If he does believe in those things, he knows he has a First Amendment right, like all the rest of us. Let him go and find another place to espouse his views, but not in a council room.”
Council President Jamie Murphy also disapproved of Sweeney’s statements, calling them “inappropriate and untrue.” Murphy emphasized the right to have the display as a way to represent the community’s LGBTQ+ residents.
“LGBTQ books and storylines are not part of a political agenda, and our public library is not promoting an ideology by making them available,” Murphy said. “A public library’s role is to serve the entire community by offering a diverse collection of books that reflect a wide range of perspectives and interests.”
Members of the public have pushed back against Sweeney’s behavior, with Peapack-Gladstone residents like Christine Kiernan confronting the councilman.
“You are offensive sir, you need to stay in your lane,” Kiernan said at the meeting on June 30. “You are an elected official sir. I really wish you would step down from your position.”
Update: This story has been updated with comments from Mayor Mark Corigliano and Council President Jamie Murphy.
