Alabama looks to ban library books that ‘positively’ depict trans people

A new rule would see any books positively depicting trans people banned from children’s sections at public libraries in the state

A library board in Alabama is seeking to ban all books that “positively” depict trans people from the youth sections of libraries across the state in the latest escalation of censorship and book bans targeting LGBTQ2S+ themes across North America.

The Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors held a public hearing this week around a new rule that would expand on its definition of what sort of material is “inappropriate for children” in kids and teens sections of libraries in the state. 

Up until now, that has included things like sexually explicit content and violence. But under the new proposal, that definition will also include any material that “positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology or the very concept of more than two biological genders.” 

John Wahl, the chairman of the library board, told the Associated Press that he expects the board to approve the rule change, or an amended version of it, when they meet next month. We break down what you need to know.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

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