Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law on Library Materials
Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law on Library Materials

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law on Library Materials

News summary

A federal judge has struck down key provisions of Arkansas Act 372, which sought to impose criminal penalties on librarians and booksellers for distributing materials deemed 'harmful' to minors. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks ruled that the law violated both the First Amendment rights of patrons and the due process rights of librarians, stating that it would effectively turn them into 'agents of censorship' fearful of prosecution. The law, signed by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, aimed to align the legal responsibilities of educators with those of the general public regarding the distribution of obscene materials. Critics, including the ACLU, argued the law's vagueness would deter libraries from carrying diverse materials, while supporters contended it was necessary to protect children. The Arkansas Attorney General plans to appeal the ruling, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding minors from obscene content. This case reflects a broader national trend of conservative states attempting to restrict access to certain types of literature, particularly those addressing race and LGBTQ issues.

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Last Updated
20 days ago
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