Alabama Considers Librarian Prosecutions for “Harmful” Library Materials
In a move that underscores the escalating tensions surrounding library content and decisions, the Alabama House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could potentially criminalize librarians for providing materials deemed “harmful” to minors.
Protecting Children or Suppressing Expression?
Republican Rep. Arnold Mooney, the bill’s sponsor, insists it is “not a Democrat bill or a Republican bill” but a “people bill to protect children.” However, opponents argue that it would empower community members to launch malicious attacks on librarians whose decisions they disagree with.
Expanding the Definition of Obscenity
The bill would eliminate the current exemption for public libraries under the state’s obscenity law. It goes further, broadening the definition of banned conduct to encompass “sexual or gender oriented conduct” at schools and libraries. This includes individuals who expose minors to “sexually revealing” attire or engage in “lewd or lascivious” performances.
Librarians Face Potential Misdemeanors
Under the proposed law, librarians face misdemeanor charges if they fail to remove or halt content or conduct that violates the state’s obscenity laws within seven days of receiving a written complaint. This has raised concerns that librarians will be subjected to arbitrary prosecution.
Libraries as Neutral Ground
Craig Scott, president of the Alabama Library Association, stresses the existing protocols libraries employ for reviewing content and addressing complaints. He questions the motive behind government intrusion into library operations. “They cannot run the place better than us as professionals,” Scott asserts.
Escalating Book Challenges
Scott highlights the surge in book challenges, many targeting LGBTQ+ content and books exploring gender identity. He has witnessed first-hand the rise in these challenges, which have often come from individuals who have not read the books in question.
A Climate of Fear and Harassment
Rep. David Faulkner, who worked on the bill’s substitute version, maintains that the law’s impact will be limited, with prosecutions only occurring when librarians knowingly tolerate improper material. However, others fear the law’s potential to silence diverse voices and create an atmosphere of fear and harassment, particularly for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
