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.”
Tennessee lawmakers approve bill criminalizing adults who help minors receive gender
Another Republican candidate to challenge Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to let Arizona doctors provide abortions in California
Amanda Holden flashes her toned abs in plunging crop top as she wows in daring ensemble
California Democrat wants to ban line
Remnants of bird flu are found in grocery store milk
Imprisoned man indicted in 2012 slaying of retired western Indiana farmer
Nootbaar, Gibson spark Cardinals to 5
Why Harvey Weinstein's New York rape conviction was tossed
Fans voice mixed reactions as Chicago Bears release stunning AI