Alabama lawmakers have passed a bill that could potentially prosecute librarians under the state’s obscenity law for providing “harmful” material to minors.
invoice, was approved 72-28 in the Alabama House of Representatives and will now move to the state Senate. The move removes existing exemptions for public libraries from state obscenity laws and is part of a larger nationwide effort to ban the books.
The bill also expands the definition of sexual acts prohibited in public K-12 schools and public libraries, and would allow minors to “wear sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing.” or persons wearing costumes, stripping, or engaging in lewd or obscene dances, presentations, or activities.”
If signed into law, librarians who violate the law could face misdemeanor charges.
Anyone who believes a public school or library is violating the law may notify the organization’s leadership and the county district attorney of the violation in writing.
Opponents of the bill say it would allow those who disagree with librarians’ content choices to threaten criminal prosecution on a whim. Associated Press reported.
State Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa, said during the debate that the process “will be manipulated and used to arrest librarians they don’t like, not for criminal activity,” according to The Associated Press. pointed out.
State Rep. Neal Rafferty, a Democrat from Birmingham, said he believes the bill could be easily abused and violates the First Amendment. “This is just a misdemeanor,” said Republican state Rep. David Volker, who said he would only be punished if the librarian knew about the contents and did nothing.
The law would go into effect on October 1, 2024, if passed by the state Senate and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey (R-Alabama).
The legislation follows a nationwide effort to regulate books and other materials depicting the LGBTQ+ community. The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Arnold Mooney, said during debate that the bill is an effort to protect children.
“This is not a Democratic bill. It’s not a Republican bill. This is a people’s bill that tries to protect our children,” Mooney said, the Associated Press reported.
The Associated Press contributed.
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