Report: “Dozens Object to Rule Requiring Arkansas Libraries To Restrict ‘Sexually Explicit’ Materials”

From the Arkansas Advocate: 

Dozens of Arkansans told the Department of Education that they oppose requiring public libraries to restrict children’s access to “sexually explicit materials” in order to receive state funding.

At least 62 people submitted concerns in writing by Friday about the draft rule requiring libraries to ensure patrons age 16 or younger cannot check out materials that depict or describe sexual contact and behavior. Monday was the deadline to submit public comments about the rule, proposed last month by the State Library Board.

“Arkansans do not lose their First Amendment rights at the library door, and the state should not condition funding on policies that violate those rights,” American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams said in a Monday statement.

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