The Alabama House has passed a proposal that would prohibit sexually explicit books from being placed in the children’s sections of public and school libraries across the state. The legislation, known as HB385, imposes penalties on anyone found violating this proposed law by requiring them to remove any indecent materials containing nudity or sexual content within seven days or face misdemeanor charges.
The Alabama Library Association (ALLA) has condemned the vote, claiming that it is an example of “government overreach” and would have a chilling effect on free speech by potentially jailing librarians. According to the association’s statement in response published in the Washington Examiner, the bill seeks to rob parents of their rights, criminalizing library staff who perform routine duties without warrant or justification under its provisions.
ALLA has argued that the legislation would have a chilling effect on free speech by potentially jailing librarians for having books deemed unsuitable for children. However, John Wahl, chairperson of Alabama’s Republican Party and member of the state Public Library Service Board, denied any involvement in drafting this bill but confirmed to the Washington Examiner that he had heard concerns from parents on both sides of the aisle regarding certain materials found in libraries targeting youngsters.
Wahl interpreted HB385 as an attempt “to keep divisive concepts out of our libraries” and accused ALLA of politicizing issues around book contents deemed to be appropriate for minors by attempting to arrest library officials that defy this bill’s restrictions, saying there is no justification under its provisions.
Despite Wahl’s claims, the ALLA has argued that HB385 would rob parents of their rights and could have far-reaching implications if it passes into law since anyone can report any books deemed indecent to officials or district attorneys. The bill will now be presented before the Senate for a vote; however, all House Democratic members voted against this legislation.
The proposed ban on sexually explicit materials in children’s sections of libraries is part of an ongoing trend across several US states seeking to scrutinize what books are made available to youngsters visiting public and school libraries.
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