Montgomery, Ala. WDNews – The Alabama Public Library Service Board has opened a public comment period on a proposal that would restrict access to certain materials in children’s and youth sections of public libraries.
Board member Amy Minton introduced the amendment during Thursday’s meeting. The proposed language would classify as inappropriate any materials that “promote, engage, or positively depict transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders.”
If approved, the change could affect whether libraries qualify for state funding, depending on the content available in their youth and children’s sections.
Board Chair John Wahl said during the meeting that he believed updating the administrative code was a more appropriate step than defining gender-related topics individually.
In 2023, the board revised its code to require libraries to limit minors’ access to materials considered sexually explicit or inappropriate, with potential funding consequences for noncompliance.
The public comment period will allow Alabamians to share feedback on the proposed amendment before the board considers a final vote.
