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    West Virginia Debates Controversial Bill: Librarians’ Liability for Children’s Access to Obscene Materials

    JimBy Updated: Whatfinger News 7 Mins Read

    This is what Democrats want your child to see and read

    Just the facts: 

    • The West Virginia House of Delegates debated removing legal protections for public and school librarians from criminal prosecution if minors access what some consider obscene content.
    • The House passed House Bill 4654, which removes exemptions for schools, public libraries, and museums from criminal liability related to distributing or displaying obscene matter to minors, with a vote of 85-12, sending it to the state Senate.
    • The bill specifies that schools presenting local or state-approved curriculum, and public libraries and museums displaying obscene matter to a minor without a parent/guardian present, would lose criminal liability exemptions.
    • Obscene matter is defined as content an average person finds depicts sexually explicit conduct, nudity, sex, or certain bodily functions, or lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, with potential felony charges for adults displaying such content to minors.
    • The bill, following a contentious public hearing and extensive House Judiciary Committee discussions, aims to prohibit knowingly providing obscene materials to children without parental supervision, similar to existing online content restrictions.
    • Supporters argue the bill doesn’t ban books but prevents access to obscene and pornographic materials for children in public spaces funded by taxpayers.
    • Opponents fear unintended consequences, including increased challenges to classic books and potential criminal charges against librarians for books with sexual descriptions, noting the bill’s vagueness could lead to unnecessary legal battles.
    • The bill’s lead sponsor claims it targets potential misuse of library materials to expose minors to pornography without parental supervision, emphasizing the bill’s intent to maintain the educational and debate-fostering role of libraries, schools, and museums while removing a “sanctuary” for criminal conduct.
    • PEN America notes similar legislative efforts in other states to remove criminal liability exemptions for libraries or broaden obscenity definitions, potentially leading to criminal charges for having certain books on shelves.
    • An amendment to maintain criminal liability protections for teachers, particularly those teaching sex education, was proposed but failed to pass.

    In a recent move, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 4654 with a decisive vote of 85-12, sparking a controversial debate on the responsibilities of librarians and their potential criminal liability for allowing children to access obscene books. The bill, now set for consideration in the state Senate, has ignited passionate discussions on the need to protect children from exposure to adult content.

    Well, here’s the thing, we actually have legal definitions to determine what is obscene. So what some may consider obscene is irrelevant. Is it, or isn’t it obscene, legally? There was a time we could trust libraries to curate what was appropriate for children. That time is gone. – PopeHat ‘n Vestments Inc.

    Del. Brandon Steele, the sponsor of the bill, delivered a fervent speech before the House Committee on the Judiciary, asserting that libraries had become a “sanctuary for pedophilia.” Steele argued that individuals should be held accountable for facilitating children’s access to materials deemed inappropriate for their age. He emphasized the bill’s aim to eliminate what he referred to as a sanctuary that had been established in the state’s legal code for the past 25 years.

    Steele clarified the purpose of the legislation, stating, “What this bill does is remove an exemption from an existing crime.” He drew attention to the fact that the current law exempts schools, public libraries, and museums from regulations safeguarding minors against obscene materials. Steele expressed concern that these institutions have become safe havens for illicit content, creating a legal loophole.

    The bill seeks to bring these institutions in line with existing laws, making it a crime to expose minors to obscene materials within library premises. Steele emphasized the need to eliminate what he sees as a double standard, stating, “I’m taking a vote to protect children from being groomed and targeted by pedophiles … and putting everyone in the same playing field. If it is a crime in the parking lot, it’s a crime in the building. Period.”

    According to reports from The Los Angeles Blade, under the current law, any adult who knowingly and intentionally displays obscene matter to a minor can be charged with a felony. If convicted, they may face fines of up to $25,000 and up to five years in prison, as outlined in State Code 61-8A-2.

    The proposed legislation aims to extend these consequences to individuals within the protected environments of public libraries, schools, and museums. Supporters argue that closing this legal loophole will strengthen the protection of minors against exposure to explicit content and prevent potential exploitation by predators.

    Critics, on the other hand, express concerns about potential censorship and the impact on intellectual freedom within the educational system. Some argue that the bill may inadvertently restrict access to age-appropriate materials and hinder the fundamental role of libraries in providing diverse and comprehensive resources for education.

    We wonder why the state is last in education. – James Arnold

    The bill’s journey through the West Virginia legislative process is anticipated to continue, with expectations that it will find favor in the predominantly conservative state. If it successfully passes through the Senate and is signed into law, it will mark a significant shift in how the state addresses the responsibility of institutions in protecting children from explicit content, potentially setting a precedent for similar discussions nationwide.

    The question we must ask ourselves is why do the Democrats want our children to read and have access to porn? Why do they support drag shows in our libraries and immorality everywhere? More and more it is starting to look like they are simply the party of evil.  Pick a topic, crime, the border, children, porn in schools. The Democrats are the evil in this nation and more and more people are waking up to that fact.

    Major Points Discussed:

    • West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 4654 with an 85-12 vote.
    • The bill, sponsored by Del. Brandon Steele, aims to hold librarians accountable for allowing children to access obscene books.
    • Steele argued that libraries had become a “sanctuary for pedophilia” and emphasized the need to eliminate a legal exemption present for 25 years.
    • Current law exempts schools, public libraries, and museums from regulations safeguarding minors against obscene materials.
    • The proposed legislation seeks to remove this exemption, making it a crime to expose minors to explicit content within the premises of public libraries, schools, and museums.

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