MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Dozens of people attended an Alabama Public Library Service hearing Tuesday.
A new rule is on the table that would ban books containing gender ideology from children’s sections across the state.
“None of Jesus’ teachings condemned people who were gender nonconforming,” said Esther Williams, who opposes the rule change. “But Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees who thought they were better than everybody else. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Children in Alabama do not need to be subject to this dangerous and disgusting and deadly ideology,” said Rachel Homolak, who is in favor of the rule change.
In a war of words, people debated a rule change for Alabama’s public libraries. The proposed rule states: “Any material that promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders shall be considered inappropriate for children and youth.”
Those supporting the rule argue it protects youth. Those opposed said it’s up to parents to monitor their children.
“Telling a child that he can become a she or that she can become a he is simply not true. It is misleading,” said Dave Greenawalt, who supports the rule change. “Charitably, we might say this is misinformation. More critically, we might say these are lies.”
“Should they be hidden away in our adult department where the books about them are?” said Mary Campbell, who is in opposition of the proposed rule. “Should we block them from our doors? Their existence can’t–and shouldn’t–be hidden away. They’re humans.”
John Wahl, the chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors, said he is for the rule. He said it’s no different than protecting children from alcohol or age-restrictive movies.
“I think we have, not just a right, but a duty to do the same thing in Alabama libraries to make sure that parents know that Alabama libraries are safe places for their children can come, and they don’t have to worry about what they’re going to accidentally stumble across,” Wahl said.
The APLS, Wahl said, will officially vote on the rule change at its November board meeting.
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