Nebraska Lawmaker Faces Calls to Resign After Controversial Legislative Stunt

Sen. Steve Halloran's reading of a graphic rape scene with inserted colleague names during a debate sparks widespread condemnation and demands for resignation.

During a debate on a bill aimed at banning obscene material from schools, Sen. Steve Halloran read a graphic rape scene from Alice Sebold's memoir, 'Lucky,' inserting the names of colleagues Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh and Sen. John Cavanaugh.
The stunt was criticized by lawmakers from both parties, with several calling for Halloran's resignation, including Sens. Megan Hunt, Julie Slama, and demands from the Nebraska Democratic Party
Halloran's action was intended to argue against the bill by demonstrating the type of material he believes should be banned from schools, but it led to an early adjournment of the Monday session.
The lawmaker issued a partial apology, claiming his intention was not to trivialize rape but to highlight issues with the bill's approach to banning books.
The incident has reignited discussions on book bans in the US, with opponents arguing that such measures disproportionately target books about marginalized communities.