As a new library obscenity law goes into effect, Democrats are rallying against it.
Democrats have events scheduled across the state Monday (click here for details). In a weekend fundraising email, Democrats said they hoped “to call out the GOP legislators who voted for this bill and show our support for our local librarians by providing care packages.”
The Democrats’ “Statewide Day of Action” coincides with the enactment of the library law.
“The library book bounty, passed by Republican politicians, is a direct attack on our freedom to make decisions for ourselves and our families,” state Democratic Chairwoman Lauren Necochea said in a weekend news release.
The law, House Bill 710, prohibits public and school libraries from making “harmful” materials available to minors. It also allows parents, guardians or children to seek civil damages if a library violates the law.
Gov. Brad Little signed HB 710 into law in April, after it passed both houses late in the session. All 18 legislative Democrats opposed it, along with 16 Republicans.
Even though HB 710 is now law, Democrats have continued to voice their opposition.
“We must protect access to books and educational materials in libraries and in the classroom,” Democrats said in their 2024 party platform, approved last month.
