Additional Coverage:
- Judge blocks key provisions of Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians, booksellers (foxnews.com)
Arkansas Law Blocking Inappropriate Materials for Minors Ruled Unconstitutional
A federal judge has blocked an Arkansas law that aimed to criminalize the distribution of “harmful” materials to minors. The judge ruled that the law was too vague and violated First Amendment rights.
The law, known as Act 372, would have imposed jail time for librarians and booksellers who made inappropriate content available to children. It also allowed anyone, including non-residents, to challenge library materials and demand their removal.
The judge found that the law’s definition of “harmful” was too broad, and that it gave too much authority to individuals to censor books.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said he will appeal the ruling. The American Library Association praised the decision, saying it protected the right to read and access information.
The law is part of a broader trend of efforts to restrict access to certain books in libraries and schools. Critics argue that these efforts are unconstitutional and aim to suppress diverse perspectives.