The Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors is deliberating a proposed rule change that would expand the current requirement for youth sections to exclude “material deemed inappropriate for children.” The new proposal specifies that this includes any material that “positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders.”
During a public hearing, Alabama residents voiced their opinions on the potential removal of transgender-themed books from public libraries. One resident expressed, “Our children in Alabama do not need to subject to this dangerous and disgusting and deadly ideology. Please continue to protect our children.”
While many supported the change, others, like Angie Hayden, cofounder of Read Freely Alabama, opposed it. Hayden argued, “This amendment is unconstitutional, it’s gross government overreach, it’s blatantly discriminatory and it is unnecessary.” She further criticized the proposal’s focus on restricting positive depictions of transgender individuals, stating, “I think that it’s blatantly discriminatory to say they want to restrict positive depictions of trans people because apparently the negative ones will be permitted to stay.”
John Wahl, APLS chairman and Alabama GOP chairman, addressed concerns about the proposal’s wording. “I think that was probably an overlook by the original author. Nothing here is designed to be negative to any person,” Wahl said. “What we’re talking about is content that parents, some parents find concerning that they would want to address with their child before their child reads it and I think that’s very fair.”
Hayden and other Alabamians argued against the necessity of the change, warning that removing these books from youth sections could lead to their complete removal. “You’re talking about a very few number of books that are very important to a very small minority of people who go to the library. Those people have the same rights that the opponents to these books have,” Hayden said. “They’re taxpaying families and they have a right to be represented in libraries whether or not people disagree with their choices.”
The board will consider feedback from nearly 8,500 people before making a decision. Wahl emphasized the importance of listening to all perspectives, stating, “There’s strong feelings on both sides of this issue. I think it’s incredibly important that government officials and government agencies like the APLS take the time to listen to people on both sides and get it right.” Notably, about 80% of comments received by the board supported the removal of the books. The board is set to vote on the proposal on Nov. 20.