Alabama Library Board considers rule banning certain books from children’s sections

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) – Dozens of people attended an Alabama Public Library Department hearing Tuesday.

A new rule is on the table that would ban books containing gender ideology in children’s sections statewide.

“None of Jesus’ teachings condemned gender nonconforming people,” said Esther Williams, who opposed the rule change. “But Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees who thought they were better than everyone else. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“Alabama children do not need to be subjected to this dangerous, disgusting and deadly ideology,” said Rachel Homolak, who supports the rule change.

In a war of words, people debated a rule change for Alabama public libraries. The proposed rule states: “Any material that promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders will be considered inappropriate for children and youth.” »

Those who support this rule argue that it protects young people. Opponents said it was up to parents to monitor their children.

“Telling a child that he can become a she or she can become a he is simply not true. It’s misleading,” said Dave Greenawalt, who supports the rule change. “Charitably, we might say that this is misinformation. More critically, we might say that it is lies.”

“Should they be hidden in our adult section where the books about them are?” said Mary Campbell, who opposes the proposed rule. “Should we keep them from our doors? Their existence cannot – and should not – be hidden. They are humans.”

John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service Board of Trustees, said he supports the rule. He said it was no different from protecting children from alcohol or age-restricting films.

“I think we not only have a right, but a duty to do the same thing in Alabama libraries to make sure that parents know that Alabama libraries are safe places for their children to come, and that they don’t have to worry about what they’re going to accidentally stumble upon,” Wahl said.

The SPLA, Wahl said, will formally vote on the rule change at its November board meeting.