Posted March 17, 2006.

Oklahoma Bill Ties Library Funds to Gay-Free Kids’ Collections

On March 15 the Oklahoma House passed by a 60–33 vote a bill that prohibits local funding authorities and library boards from funding their public libraries unless the libraries have “place[d] all children and young adult materials that contain homosexual or sexually explicit subject matter in a special area [and limited] distribution . . . to adults only.” The bill also specifies that the state library must withhold funds from noncompliant public libraries.

Introduced in February by Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), H.B. 2158 defines homosexual subject matter as “content that relates to the recruiting and advocating of same gender sexual relationships” and sexually explicit subject matter as “content that describes or depicts sexual conduct . . . so that a prurient interest in sex is promoted.” The latter definition specifically exempts material that “merely mentions or references sexual conduct.”

If enacted, H.B. 2158 would also mandate the establishment of a State Library Material Content Advisory Board to “annually develop a recommended list of child and young adult materials that contain homosexual or sexually explicit subject matter” for distribution to every library in the state. The board, appointed by the respective leaders of the state house and senate, would be comprised of four legislators, four parents of minor children, and four teachers.

“The Oklahoma Library Association is very much in opposition to this legislation,” OLA President Jeanie Johnson told American Libraries, citing two of the association’s four legislative goals—supporting unrestricted access and preserving local library control. “To add another special collection, you have to find some place to put it,” Sapulpa Public Library Director Karla Shaffer said in the March 16 Sapulpa Daily Herald, referring to the dearth of extra space in many small public libraries statewide.

Also expressing concern about the bill, Gov. Brad Henry told the March 17 Daily Oklahoman, “I don’t want government to do anything to intrude upon the rights of parents.” However, Kern, who last year spearheaded a nonbinding resolution urging librarians to establish adults-only sections similar to those H.B. 2158 would mandate, characterized libraries as “usurping the role of parents” unless they segregate some materials. “Our society is obsessed with sex,” she said in the March 16 Oklahoma City Daily Oklahoman. “And I will tell you this: The American Library Association is out to sexualize our children.”

Posted March 17, 2006.