Little should sign the Children’s School and Library Protection Act to protect kids | Opinion

In recent years, conversations on the unresolved issue of sexually graphic library books have dominated statewide politics.

By now, most Idahoans recognize that children’s access to books with erotic sex scenes in schools and libraries is a widespread issue across the Gem State.

How widespread? Last year, the team at the Idaho Family Policy Center scoured school and library catalogs across the state.

We ended up finding more than 50 libraries with these books on their shelves, accessible to minor children, all of which were documented in a report we released to the public.

As Robert Wright, who serves as director for the Idaho Falls Public Library, admitted in a House committee earlier this year, “I can tell you — we have erotica in our library because people want to read it. There’s been erotica in libraries since the Library of Alexandria.”

Shockingly, he’s right. And that’s why the Idaho Family Policy Center has worked for more than three years on legislation to protect children.

This year, state legislators introduced House Bill 710, also known as the Children’s School and Library Protection Act. This new legislation would simply require that schools and libraries take reasonable steps to restrict children’s access to materials that are obscene for minors.

In full disclosure, H710 largely utilizes bill language drafted last year by the Idaho Family Policy Center. The bill has passed both chambers of the Idaho Legislature — and it is now sitting on Gov. Brad Little’s desk, awaiting his action.

Importantly, this legislation is constitutionally defensible. As the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized, states have a compelling interest in protecting children from materials that are obscene for them.

Let me be clear: No one is talking about “banning” books. If the new legislation becomes law, public libraries could continue offering books with erotic sex scenes to their adult patrons.

We just think it’s fair for parents to expect that taxpayer-funded schools and libraries should be safe places for their children to make use of books, services and programs.

Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of Idahoans want to see legislative action on this issue. According to statewide public opinion polling, nearly 75% of likely voters believe public schools and community libraries should keep pornographic materials away from minor children.

Of course, it all comes down to whether Gov. Little will protect children by signing H710. We hope — and pray — he does.

Blaine Conzatti is president of Idaho Family Policy Center. He led the charge to get the “heartbeat” bill, the “No Public Funds For Abortion Act” and “Simon’s Law” enacted into Idaho law.