Critics believe that adopted in Missouri, a bill that imposes a ban on storing in the libraries of the state «is unacceptable in the age of sexual material for children,» is a «stunningly transparent attempt to legalize a ban on books.» In the end, the bill may lead to the fact that librarians are not respecting it will serve a prison sentence.
In accordance with the draft law on parental supervision of public libraries, proposed by Republican Ben Baker will be elected by the parent group to assess the appropriateness of books for children. Then the Board of Directors will hold a public hearing regarding inappropriate books and public libraries that allow minors to access these books. The bill proposes to deprive such libraries funding, and librarians who refuse to submit to fine and imprison for up to one year.
«Most importantly, I want to be able to take their children to the library and to ensure that they were in a safe environment and not exposed to any inappropriate material,» said Baker of the local media. «Unfortunately, in Missouri there are several libraries that possess such materials. And that’s the problem.»
James Tager, Deputy Director for research and policy in the field of freedom of expression, PEN American club, called the law the Baker «shockingly transparent attempt to legitimize the banning of books in the state of Missouri.» He said the law was aimed at the empowerment of some groups of parents who want «to be censors». According to Tager, books containing sexual themes, LGBTIQ characters and describing the violence can be prohibited.
«Every reader in the country must be shocked, absolutely shocked by this law. The fact that the librarian can actually be jailed for following their conscience and refused to deny minors access to the book, says everything you need to know about the suitability of this act in a democratic society.» said the tiger.
Library Association of Missouri has stated that it opposes the bill because it «will always be to resist censorship and freedom of reading.» Representatives of the Association believe that libraries do not need additional censorship, as there are already procedures that protect children from the unnecessary materials, without infringing on the rights of others.
However, the Baker claims that he is not going to ban books. According to him, these books will be taken out of libraries, they will simply be placed in a special Department.
