Alabama lawmakers advance bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Thursday advanced legislation that could see librarians prosecuted under the state’s obscenity law for providing “harmful” materials to minors, the latest in a wave of bills in Republican-led states targeting library content and decisions.
The Alabama House of Representatives voted 72-28 for the bill that now moves to the Alabama Senate. The legislation comes amid a soaring number of book challenges — often centered on LGBTQ content — and efforts in a number of states to ban drag queen story readings.
“This is an effort to protect children. It is not a Democrat bill. It’s not a Republican bill. It’s a people bill to try to protect children,” Republican Rep. Arnold Mooney, the bill’s sponsor, said during debate.
The Alabama bill removes the existing exemption for public libraries in the state’s obscenity law. It also expands the definition of prohibited sexual conduct to include any “sexual or gender oriented conduct” at K-12 public schools or public libraries that “exposes minors to persons who are dressed in sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes, or are stripping, or engaged in lewd or lascivious dancing, presentations, or activities.”
Related articles
The EU's executive decides to end legal standoff with Poland over democracy concerns
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s executive decided on Monday to end its 6-year dispute with memb2024-05-07- A psychologist has detailed the ways you can take control of any situation - from where to position2024-05-07
Ralph Lauren goes minimal for latest fashion show, with muted tones and a more intimate setting
NEW YORK (AP) — Ralph Lauren has been known for many a grand fashion show over the years: taking ove2024-05-07Miriam: Death Of A Reality Star review
Miriam: Death Of A Reality Star (Ch4)Rating:Always read the small print. Everybody knows it and nobo2024-05-07More than 40 workers trapped after a building under construction collapsed in South Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A multi-story apartment building under construction collapsed Monday2024-05-07In unusual push, funders band together to get out grants around election work 'early'
A small portion of the billions spent around the November election will go to nonprofits working to2024-05-07
atest comment