Atlanta, Georgia – Librarians and education advocates in Georgia are warning that a bill advancing through the state Legislature could expose library staff to criminal charges and accelerate book removals, particularly those involving LGBTQ-related content. Senate Bill 74, sponsored by Republican Sen. Max Burns of Sylvania, would revise longstanding exemptions that currently shield libraries from prosecution under laws governing the distribution of harmful materials to minors.
Under existing Georgia law, public, school, and university libraries are exempt from criminal liability when materials later deemed obscene are accessible to minors. Burns’s proposal would narrow that exemption, making librarians potentially liable unless they can show they were unaware of the material, previously suggested it be challenged, or recommended moving it to a section inaccessible to minors. Violations could be charged as high and aggravated misdemeanors.
The bill passed a House subcommittee along party lines Tuesday and could soon advance to the full committee. Burns said the goal is to protect children, not to punish librarians, arguing that professionals should ensure explicit materials are placed in adult-only sections. Conservative groups, including the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, have endorsed the bill, framing it as a safeguard against pornography in children’s spaces.
Opponents counter that Georgia libraries do not stock obscene material and warn the bill would encourage preemptive self-censorship. Critics also point to Georgia’s legal definition of sexual conduct, which includes “homosexuality,” raising concerns that books with LGBTQ characters or themes could be targeted even without explicit content. Burns acknowledged such concerns but said broader obscenity definitions would require separate legislation.
Sources:
-
Georgia General Assembly – Unrated
-
Georgia Baptist Mission Board – Unrated
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
