One Week Left to Submit Public Comments on APLS Code Amendment Protecting Children and Defending Biological Truth
The deadline to submit written comments is Tuesday, October 14, at 4:30 p.m
From APLS Board Chair John Wahl
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board Chairman John Wahl is reminding Alabama parents and citizens that there is just one week remaining to submit public comments on the proposed APLS code amendment designed to protect children from inappropriate and ideological materials in public libraries. The deadline to submit written comments is Tuesday, October 14, at 4:30 p.m.
The proposed amendment would add the following language to the APLS code:
"Under this section, any material that promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders shall be considered inappropriate for children and youth."
Chairman Wahl said "this amendment is an important step toward restoring biological truth, protecting Alabama's children, and upholding parental rights in public institutions." He continued:
"This is a defining moment for Alabama libraries, and we want to hear from parents and concerned citizens across the state," said Chairman Wahl. "Every voice matters, and I encourage people to share their thoughts with the APLS board before this vote. The public comment period gives families a direct say in shaping policies that impact their children and local libraries."
Chairman Wahl said the goal of the proposed amendment is to make sure Alabama libraries respect parental rights and remain safe, family-friendly environments focused on learning — not on social agendas.
"This is about protecting the innocence of children and defending fundamental truth," Wahl continued. "Across the country, gender ideology is being used to erase the biological reality of male and female. It's replacing science with confusion and turning public spaces meant for education into platforms for radical liberal activism. We are drawing a line and saying Alabama will stand for truth, for science, and for the innocence of our children. Our goal is to protect kids from harmful and unscientific ideas that deny biological facts — and to restore parents' right to guide their children's moral and emotional development."
Wahl said the amendment is consistent with state law that made transgender operations illegal for minors, as well as President Donald J. Trump's recent executive order.
"President Trump is exactly right — denying the biological reality of sex and encouraging transgenderism is not progress, it's a direct assault on truth and on women," said Wahl. "When society abandons the reality of male and female, it doesn't just harm children, it undermines fairness, privacy, and public trust. Biological truth is the foundation of both science and morality. Without it, we lose our grip on reality itself. Alabama will not follow that dangerous path."
How to Submit a Public Comment
Written comments must be signed, include a full name and address, and be received by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14. Comments can be mailed or delivered in person to:
Vanessa Carr, Executive Secretary
Alabama Public Library Service
6030 Monticello Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117
For those who prefer to deliver remarks in person, a public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 21 at the APLS office in Montgomery. A request to speak must also be submitted by October 14.
