Why is This 2009 Movie at Marion Library Under Fire?

Marion Public Library officials are exploring whether or not to remove a criticized movie from its shelves.

Director Doug Raber said a complaint has been raised about the library hosting the 2009 horror film, The Orphan. Raber said the complaint was concerning the way adoptions and orphans were portrayed in the film.

Without spoiling too much, the plot revolves around a couple adopting a child, not knowing that the "child" would go on to brutally kill people.

The concern is that the movie furthers negative stereotypes on adoption, which was an issue raised by pro-adoption advocacy organizations when the movie was released.

According to an Associated Press article, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute wrote the following to Warner Bros. Chief Executive Barry Meyers.

"We are concerned that in addition to its intended entertainment value, this film will have the unintended effect of skewing public opinion against children awaiting families both in the United States and abroad," the letter read.

Raber pointed out that in response to the criticism, the DVD version of the movie available at the library contains a pro-adoption service message before the movie begins.

Raber said he has reviewing the movie in order to determine whether it’s removal will be in the "long term best invest of the community."

He said that has to weigh the First Amendment rights of library patrons that want to see the movie. 

Still, that doesn’t mean he’s a fan of the film.

"I find myself in the ironic position of defending the First Amendment rights of a movie that I don’t particularly like," he said.

So, what do you think? Given the criticisms of the movie’s depiction of orphans and adoptions, should it stay on the shelves, or do First Amendment rights outweigh those concerns?