SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey’s Assembly Education Committee heard several hours of testimony for and against an amended bill that would allow controversial books to remain on school and public library shelves. It would also prevent legal action against librarians.
Dozens of people shared their thoughts about the Freedom to Read Act, a bill that has undergone several changes since it was first introduced.
Those in favor say diverse voices and subjects shouldn’t be banned, and just because someone doesn’t like a book doesn’t mean they should have the power to prevent others from reading it.
“There are a lot of other books that help children in the LGBTQ community to become who they are, to help them understand they are not alone, that they are not abnormal, and that they have support,” one person testified.
People opposed to the legislation had various concerns, but the most common criticism was about books with obscene and even pornographic images. They argue removing those books isn’t book banning — it’s age-appropriate curation.
“No child, especially those struggling with their identity, should be led to explore sex and kink as a means for finding themselves,” said another individual.
Another controversial aspect of the bill is legal immunity for librarians and staff. Advocates say they shouldn’t be targeted or punished for providing literature. Opponents argue nobody should be above the law.
One librarian urged lawmakers to vote for the bill because library staff should not face harassment for doing their jobs. “The harassment faced by myself and many in our profession have had severe mental and emotional repercussions.”
The bill advanced committee 7-1. It is still far from becoming law, as legislators say there are more changes and amendments to debate at future hearings.