A small public library, a group of large book publishers and two students have filed a lawsuit alleging Idaho’s law that requires libraries to keep some books (including LGBTQ-themed publications) in an “adults-only” section violates First Amendment rights of librarians and students.
Several large book publishers, a tiny public library and others are suing Idaho over a law that forces libraries to keep books in an adults-only section if community members believe they are “harmful to minors,” which includes “any act of homosexuality.”
[image or embed] — Mike Stabile (@mikestabile.bsky.social) February 5, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Via the Associated Press:
The Donnelly Library, Penguin Random House and the others suing say the law is overly vague and violates the First Amendment rights of students, librarians and other residents by forcing libraries to sequester literary classics like “Slaughterhouse-Five” and “A Clockwork Orange.”
It’s the second such lawsuit filed in Idaho. A coalition of small private schools and libraries sued last summer, and that case is ongoing.
Similar cases have been filed in Arkansas, Iowa, Florida, Texas and other states with laws restricting access to books in libraries or schools.
The law, which took effect last summer, forces public libraries and schools to move material deemed “harmful to minors” in special sections or face the possibility of being sued. From the lawsuit: “Many are first introduced to these books as minors at their schools or local libraries, under the guidance of trained professional educators and librarians. Not anymore.” The attorney’s add that the new law puts schools and libraries at “the risk of challenge, litigation, and statutory damages for allowing these classic and valuable books to be accessed by minors.” The law is guided by the state’s definition of obscene materials which includes “any act of homosexuality.” In other words, another attack on the LGBTQ community. Read more here.
A lawsuit has been filed against HB710 in Idaho.
A bill that “forces public schools and libraries to undertake drastic measures to restrict minors’ access to books, or face injunction and/or monetary penalty.” KEEP MAKING NOISE ABOUT BOOK BANNING! ⏰ #bannedbooks [image or embed] — Ashley ️ (@vixusg.bsky.social) February 4, 2025 at 9:08 PM
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