The Alabama-based advocacy group Clean Up Alabama is petitioning the Alabama Legislature to address the ongoing drama concerning sexually explicit library books for minors.
In recent months, Alabama residents have requested their local libraries remove or relocate sexually explicit children's books. Most have taken issue with the Alabama Public Library Service's (APLS) connection with the American Library Association (ALA), which is run by an avowed "Marxist lesbian."
Legislative leaders and Gov. Kay Ivey have taken an interest in the library issue. Some lawmakers have also suggested taking action at the legislative level to make library funding contingent on policies that address sexually explicit children's books.
Clean Up Alabama is a group formed because of the library controversy in Prattville. While members still appeal to the city council and county commission, the group has set its sights on addressing the APLS board and members of the legislature.
Related: State library board delays vote to end membership with American Library Association
Since the legislature is convening in February, and it is almost guaranteed to take up some form of bill addressing libraries, Clean Up Alabama has started a petition calling on lawmakers to take proactive measures.
"The APLS has shown no regard for the concerns of the overwhelming majority of Alabamians desiring to disassociate from the American Library Association," the group said. "Nor did they show regard for protecting the children of Alabama from exposure to sexual content in libraries across the state of Alabama. Rather than disassociate from the ALA and encourage local libraries to do the same, they chose to push off the decision, stating the renewal of their membership is up in March."
The petition includes a resolution to present to lawmakers, citing the perceived issues within libraries and what lawmakers can do to quell concerns.
The resolution reads as follows:
"WHEREAS, Alabama public libraries have violated the public's trust by exposing our children to sexually explicit books as well as books regarding age-inappropriate ideologies; and
WHEREAS, the highly impressionable minds of children must be protected and diligently shaped by their parents or guardians; and
WHEREAS, exposing children to materials regarding sex, sexuality, gender identity, and other similar subjects is mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically harmful to children; and
WHEREAS, no taxpayer funded entity should permit children to access such obscene and divisive materials;
THEREFORE, as a concerned citizen of Alabama, I urge you as my elected official to protect our children from sexually explicit material and radical ideologies by passing legislation that prevents taxpayer-funded entities from making such materials available to minors."
Several lawmakers have already petitioned the APLS board, asking it to form a solution to residents' concerns.
In one September meeting, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) and House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) sent official letters from their office to the board. Both letters expressed concern over the books' inclusion and suggested legislative intervention if the issues weren't addressed.
State Reps. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover), Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont), Mark Gidley (R-Gadsden) and Jerry Starnes (R-Pike Road) all attended the same meeting in support of those challenging the books.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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