Alabama House Advances Bill Potentially Allowing Prosecution of Librarians

This blog originally appeared at THE HILL.

Alabama Lawmakers Pass Bill Allowing Potential Prosecution of Librarians for Providing “Harmful” Materials to Minors

The Alabama House of Representatives approved the bill with a 72-28 vote, sending it to the state Senate for consideration. The legislation removes current exemptions for public libraries under the state’s obscenity law and is part of a broader national movement aimed at banning certain books.

The bill also broadens the definition of prohibited sexual conduct in public K-12 schools and libraries to include any “sexual or gender-oriented conduct” that could expose minors to individuals dressed in “sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes,” or involved in stripping, lewd dancing, or similar activities.

If enacted, librarians who violate the law could be charged with a misdemeanor.

Anyone who believes that public schools or libraries are violating the law can submit a written notice of the violation to the organization’s leaders and the local district attorney.

Critics argue that the bill enables individuals who disagree with a librarian’s content choices to threaten criminal prosecution arbitrarily, according to The Associated Press.

During the debate, State Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa, warned that the process could be manipulated to arrest librarians without legitimate cause, merely because of personal disagreements. State Rep. Neil Rafferty, a Democrat from Birmingham, expressed concerns that the bill would be easily abused and violate the First Amendment. Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. David Faulkner downplayed the severity, stating that “it’s only a misdemeanor” and that librarians would only face consequences if they failed to address the content after being made aware of it.

If the state Senate passes the bill and Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signs it, the law would take effect on October 1.

This legislation is part of a broader nationwide push to restrict access to books and materials depicting LGBTQ+ communities. The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Arnold Mooney, emphasized during the debate that the primary goal is to protect children.

“This is not about party lines; it’s about protecting children,” Mooney stated, according to the Associated Press.

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