APLS Chairman John Wahl says that the Fairhope Library must fully comply with state codes on dirty books in the children's section if they want state funding restored

June 17, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Chairman John Wahl said that the Fairhope Public Library which has expressly defied state policy on not putting sexually explicit or LGBTQ+ proselytizing literature in the children's sections of public libraries.

Wahl released his statement in response to the Fairhope Library Board's decision the previous night to retain the majority of books challenged by parents for sexually explicit content in the library's youth sections.

The APLS Board will formally review Fairhope's decisions at its upcoming July meeting, but Wahl said that state funding will only be restored if all books containing sexually explicit content-as defined by the APLS Board-has been relocated out of the children and youth sections.

"The APLS Board has been clear and consistent regarding the regulations and requirements in Alabama state code concerning sexually explicit material," said Chairman Wahl. "All public libraries in Alabama must relocate any materials containing obscenity or sexually explicit content out of youth sections in order to remain eligible for state funding. There are no loopholes or gray areas in this requirement."

State code mandates that each library adopt clear policies outlining how such materials will be reviewed and relocated. While the Fairhope Public Library has recently adopted new policies, full compliance cannot be achieved through policy alone-it requires the actual relocation of sexually explicit content from sections intended for minors.

Wahl emphasized that community standards may influence how a local library defines "obscenity," but the definition of "sexually explicit content" is clearly outlined under state law and further clarified in an official APLS Board memo. Wahl said that this definition must be applied consistently across all youth materials.

"If families want their children to access these materials, they can do so by approving an adult library card for them," Wahl added. "But no sexually explicit content should remain in youth sections-period. Until that standard is met, state funding will not be reinstated."

The APLS Board's position is rooted in protecting parental rights and restoring family control over the material children can access in public libraries.

"Sexuality is a deeply personal and sensitive topic, and we must recognize that people hold a wide range of views on how and when it should be introduced to children," said Wahl. "We want every family in Alabama to feel welcome in our public libraries. Parents who want their children to have broader access to materials have that ability, but at the same time, parents who do not want their children exposed to sexually explicit content should have confidence that their child will not accidentally stumble across inappropriate books in our youth sections. The APLS standards were written to reflect this balance and to respect the viewpoints of all Alabamians."

Before the 1990s sexual contact between same gender individuals was viewed as sinful – and in many states (Alabama included) illegal. That societal condemnation of sexual immorality loosened considerably with the widespread adoption of the birth control pill and the sexual revolution that followed. By the 1980s and 1990s that spread even to illicit same-sex relations. The 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Lawrence versus Texas struck down state bans on same-sex relations. That decision was followed in March 2013 by the Obergefell versus Hodges Supreme Court decision striking down state bans on same-sex marriages.

While society was embracing the LGBTQ+ movement and increasingly loosening centuries of moral teachings on this and other subjects, children have been bombarded with propaganda on TV, the internet, movies, books, and even in the classrooms promoting sodomy, transgenderism, and all manners of immorality at a very young age.

Not surprisingly, teen mental health has worsened significantly over the past 25 years. Studies have documented that today's teens face rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among young people.

Studies show that:

- Rates of mental illness have increased, particularly among those aged 10 to 24.

- Suicide rates among teens have risen, making it the second leading cause of death in this age group.

- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness have affected 40% of high school students, with higher rates among female and LGBTQ+ teens.

- Social and economic stressors, including financial insecurity, political divisions, and climate anxiety, have contributed to worsening mental health.

- Transgender teens are 7.6 times more likely to commit suicide than their peers. A Danish study showed that transgender adults are 7.7 times likely to attempt suicide than the rest of the Danish population.

John Wahl is also the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. He is a likely 2026 candidate for Lieutenant Governor.