Coalition Sues Over Arkansas Law Criminalizing Librarians for Providing Access to 'Harmful' Books

A federal lawsuit challenges an Arkansas law that would subject librarians and booksellers to criminal charges if they provide access to books deemed "harmful" to minors.
The law threatens librarians with jail time and fines for allowing minors to access LGBTQ-themed books and those discussing gender identity or sexuality.
The law requires libraries and bookstores to establish "adults only" sections for any materials that could be challenged and prohibits minors from entering those sections.
The law violates the First Amendment by forcing libraries and bookstores to self-censor and restricts access to books for both minors and adults.
At least 15 states considered similar legislation this year that would open up libraries and librarians to criminal prosecution for the books in their collections.