Man who ripped cover off The Advocate loses library privileges

A library patron who ripped the cover off a copy of The Advocate in Williamsburg, Va., had his privileges revoked for a month. The patron, John Callaghan, was offended by the cover of the November 11 issue, which pictured two bare-chested men, both performers with Cirque du Soleil, leaning in to kiss each other. Outraged that the library was using taxpayers' money to carry the periodical, Callaghan tore off the cover and took it home. Callaghan, 77, could have been charged with destruction of library property, a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries a $2,500 fine, 12 months in jail, or both. The library sent Callaghan a letter Friday informing him that his privileges will be suspended from November 24 to December 24. Callaghan said he won't contest the decision. "If that's what they wish to do, that's their business. It's their library," he said. "I've made a point, and I'm not a rabble-rouser. I'm not trying to cause trouble. I did what I thought was right."