APLS board passes controversial rule to protect children from dangerous transgender indoctrination

November 20, 2025 – MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board of Directors passed a code change that proponents says is designed to protect children and uphold parental authority in Alabama's publicly funded libraries. The new amendment restricts materials that pushes dangerous transgender propaganda on kids. Specifically the code change bars libraries from placing books that promote procedures or the idea of more than two biological genders from being placed in youth sections. Supporters say that this code change reinforces libraries as safe, family-centered environments.

The code change also strengthens youth library card standards and makes it clear that parents and not the library staff or outside groups have the final say over what their children can have access to. The decision follows an extensive public comment process in which more than 8,400 Alabamians participated, with approximately 80% voicing their support for the amendment.

Opponents argue that the rule change is censorship, and they argue that the books being banned from the children's section are meant to provide positive affirmation to LGBTQ+ youth.

APLS Chairman John Wahl praised the Board's action, emphasizing that the vote reflects Alabama's commitment to safeguarding children.

"Today's vote is a major win for Alabama families," said Chairman Wahl. "Parents-not unelected bureaucrats-should be deciding what their children are exposed to. The APLS Board is committed to protecting Alabama children from accidentally stumbling across sexual content in our library youth sections. There are only two genders, and we will continue to stand for biological reality here in Alabama. Families across this state spoke clearly during the public comment period, and it's our responsibility to listen to them as we serve the public. We will ensure that children are not exposed to sexual materials without their parents' consent."

Wahl claimed that the amendment aligns with national efforts to restore biological standards and protect women's rights, including recent calls from the Trump administration to safeguard biological reality.

"We are proud to join national leaders in reaffirming the truth that biology matters," Wahl added. "Alabama is sending a clear message that we will protect children, defend parental rights, and preserve the integrity of women's spaces. This code change reflects the direction that millions of Americans want to see-common sense, grounded in science, and rooted in the values that strengthen our families and our future."

Wahl concluded by reaffirming APLS's broader mission.

"Alabama's libraries should be places of learning and discovery-not platforms for experimental ideas that undermine traditional family values," said Wahl. "This amendment ensures our libraries remain safe, educational, and welcoming places for all Alabama families."

Wahl said that this action reflects APLS's continued commitment to empowering parents, defending family values, and ensuring that publicly funded spaces remain safe for Alabama children.

Wahl is also the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.

The grassroots activist group Clean Up Alabama supported the

"Children Win Big: APLS Approves Long-Awaited Reforms," Clean UP Alabama said in a statement. "The people spoke overwhelmingly in support of further clarification on inappropriate materials for minors 0-17 during APLS's comment period. Not only did the overwhelming majority support the changes-they urged the board to go even further than the original proposal."

"The board's initial proposal included the following code change: 'Any material that promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders shall be considered inappropriate for children and youth.'

"We demanded more, and APLS delivered. The final code is stronger, clearer, and better for Alabama's children. Here is what the code will now include: 'All material containing such content must be weeded out of the library's collection or relocated to an adult section. Under this rule, any materials regarding transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders shall be considered inappropriate for children and youth. Approve written guidelines establishing that library cards issued to minors under the age of 18 shall prohibit the checkout of materials from the library's adult collections. The standard library card issued to all minors under the age of 18 must be a restricted card. A library may also issue a non-restricted minor card granting access to adult collections, provided that written consent is obtained from the minor's parent or legal guardian. Recognize and comply with all state code, rules, and definitions adopted by the APLS executive board."

"Under the new additions, this now explicitly includes materials containing: transgender medical procedures, gender ideology, and the concept of more than two biological genders. These categories are now automatically designated as inappropriate for minors, regardless of context."

"It's a victory worth celebrating-your voices made this happen. This is a tremendous win for families and a major step forward for Alabama's libraries."

LGBTQ+ activists denounced the move that will limit their ability to use the libraries to proselytize to children. They condemned the move as censorship and an attack on transgender representation in public libraries.

Read Freely Alabama, PEN America, EveryLibrary, and the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition denounced the changes in a joint statement claiming that the policy would result in the removal or relocation of any books with trans representation, regardless of age-appropriateness. They claimed the move was being driven by right-wing and anti-LGBTQ+ groups, and framed it as a broad censorship effort.

Some libraries – most notably Fairhope – have defied the board and continue to place age – inappropriate sexually explicit and pro-trans books in the children's section. This has resulted in the ALPS board withholding state funds from the defiant libraries.

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