Alabama House Passes Controversial Bill to Prosecute Librarians Over 'Obscene' Books

The bill, which now moves to the Senate, would criminalize librarians for not removing certain materials from libraries, sparking concerns over free speech and government overreach.

Alabama House of Representatives has passed a bill that could lead to the prosecution of librarians for failing to remove books deemed 'obscene' from public and school libraries within seven days.
Critics argue the bill violates the First Amendment and could be used to target librarians based on subjective complaints about book content.
The legislation allows any individual to report books they consider inappropriate, potentially leading to criminal charges against librarians.
Opponents describe the bill as an example of government overreach, threatening librarians with jail for simply performing their duties.
The bill's passage has ignited a debate over the role of libraries in society and the limits of state control over educational materials.