California bans anti-LGBTQ+ book bans in public libraries

[Jessica_Rose]

California bans anti-LGBTQ+ book bans in public libraries

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-bans-anti-lgbtq-book-bans-in-public-libraries/ar-AA1rC7Pt?ocid=windirect&cvid=a5abc306a68541c4a8867c4622f66665&ei=70

Story by Daniel Villarreal (2 Oct 2024)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has signed the "California Freedom to Read Act" (Assembly Bill 1825). The law forbids any state-funded public libraries from removing books or refusing to purchase books based on their "views, ideas, or opinions."

The law says that materials may not be excluded or have their access limited solely based on "the race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, political affiliation, or any other characteristic... or the socioeconomic status" of a subject, author, source or perceived or intended audience.

The library materials may include sexual content, unless that content qualifies as "obscene" under Supreme Court precedent. The court generally defines obscenity as something that expresses a shameful or morbid interest in sex, nudity, or excretion; is patently offensive as defined by state law; and lacks any serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

The California law says librarians, library media specialists, other employees, or contractors at public libraries can't be fired, demoted, disciplined, or retaliated against for making any "good faith" displays, acquisitions, or programs. Nor can they be disciplined for refusing to remove any materials that haven't first gone through the library's official review process.