Read Freely Alabama Issues Call To Action re: Proposed APLS Code Change

From Read Freely Alabama

Friend --

The proposed amendment to the Alabama Public Library Services administrative code to prohibit purchase of and remove books depicting transgender people has officially been published. Here's what you need to know: 

What's happening? 

At the last APLS board meeting in July, Board Member Amy Minton proposed a change to the administrative code that would prohibit materials that portray transgender people in a positive light or represent people outside of traditional gender norms. 

What does this mean?

Libraries will be required to restrict such materials for patrons under the age of 18, and in addition, will be prohibited from purchasing those materials going forward. Libraries who do not comply risk losing their state funding. We strongly believe this amendment to be unconstitutional, and our position is that the amendment should be rejected. 

What do we do?

There will be a written comment period lasting until October 14st for you to make your voices heard. On October 21st at 10 am CT, the Alabama Public Library Service will hold a hearing on the amendment. Requests to make oral comments must be sent to vcarr@apls.state.al.us no later than 4:30 p.m. CT on October 14. The order of oral comments will be established based on the dates that the requests are received. Oral comments will be limited to 2 minutes.

How can you help:

We have crafted a template for your members to submit for the written comment period. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to make your opinion known, so this template will come pre-written but editable for those of you who wish to use your own words.  We can help you mail it in or hand deliver your comments or you can host a mailing party yourself.     

Meanwhile, please start submitting your requests to speak at the hearing and let's pack the room to let them see our faces and understand the gravity of their amendment.

If you have any questions or to learn more about the ongoing war on Alabama libraries, please email info@readfreelyal.org or visit our website!

Thank you for all your support over the past couple of years to defend Alabama's public libraries from this extremist attack!

Ed. Note: the following was forwarded to ALPolitics.com from a trusted source. It was not sent directly to us, but is published here in the interest of balanced reporting and fairness. It is the editorial policy of ALPolitics.com that all sides of these issues should be represented, and that everyone deserves to be heard in their own voice. As such, we support civility and openness in public discourse, and are always open to publishing opposing viewpoints that maintain those standards. We reserve the right to reject any content for any reason, without explanation.

The official announcement of the proposed change, including comments by APLS Board Chair John Wahl is here: APLS Opens Public Comment Period on Gender Ideology Code Change