Eagle Forum Urging the Administrative Code for Libraries to Define More Than Two Biological Genders As Inappropriate For Children

Public libraries have historically been viewed as "the universities of the public". With librarians being historically severely opposed to censorship in any way shape or form. And the American Library Association even issuing a "Freedom to Read Statement" in 1953 during the height of McCarthyism. With the library association's Freedom to Read Statement emphasizing the association's commitment to support the "freedom to think or believe as one chooses, the freedom to express one's thoughts and beliefs without fear or retaliation, and the right to access information without restriction."

While few would argue that censorship should apply to matters of intellectual discourse, political, and current events such as was taking place during the McCarthy communist witch hunt era, in the present era, censorship and libraries has taken on a new angle as the culture war sets its sights on targeting children. As when it comes to social issues, social movements don't accomplish their ends by changing people's minds. Rather, they keep repeating their version of the social issue, until the new generation grows up acclimated to the idea. Making children the target of the transgender and LGBTQIA+ movements in their aim for social approval. With pedophilia and beastiality said to be following next in the culture war.

Traditionally, in children's literature, the aim of writers is to preserve "the innocent wonder of children". But, with the advent of the culture war and their focus on the young, children's literature in public libraries has become the battleground for local communities and the culture war. With books such as "Gender Queer: A Memoir" , "All Boys Aren't Blue", "Being You: A first conversation about gender", and the sexually explicit "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas being among some of the books that have been challenged in Alabama public libraries. In response to these multiple challenges throughout the state, in 2024, The Alabama Public Library Service implemented a policy prohibiting libraries from purchasing or acquiring sexually explicit or inappropriate materials intended for minors ages zero through seventeen.

Now, however, the conservative interest group, Eagle Forum, is urging The Alabama Public Library Service to define "inappropriate" more specifically as the term is open to interpretation at present. With many libraries continuing to add questionable materials to their collection. Furthermore, Eagle Forum is also urging The Alabama Public Library Service to allow for the automatic removal of inappropriate material without having to use the "Miller Test" for obscenity. With the Miller Test being a three-pronged test determined by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1973 case, Miller v. California. Also, Eagle Forum is requesting The Alabama Public Library Service during their 45-day comment period to update their policy to where no challenge by the public is required to remove objectionable books.

Specifically to the public, Eagle Forum is urging people to sign a letter to the Executive Secretary of the Alabama Public Library Service, Vanessa Carr, requesting that "No tax dollars should be used to purchase, shelve, or maintain" inappropriate materials in public libraries. And that "any material that promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, sexual orientation, or the concept of more than two biological genders shall be considered inappropriate for children and youth." With those who are interested in signing the letter being able to either sign it online or send it via regular post office mail. For those who wish to sign it online, they may do so here:

Take Action – Eagle Forum of Alabama