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Huntington Beach to Review Kids’ Library Books for Inappropriate Content

A Community Panel ⁣to Determine Library⁤ Books in Huntington ‌Beach

A panel of Huntington Beach community ⁢members will soon have the power ​to decide ⁤which books make it into the city’s libraries, with ⁣the goal of keeping sexually inappropriate content out of the children’s section. This ⁣resolution, passed by ​the council’s⁣ conservative‍ majority‍ on October 17, ⁣establishes a ​21-member panel of community members‌ who will ⁣oversee the books in the⁤ city’s⁤ five libraries.‌ Each council member will appoint three individuals to serve on the panel.

Under the new rule, children will no longer​ have ⁢direct access ⁤to books or materials with any sexual content. ‍Parental consent ⁢will be required to access such materials, and books⁣ containing sexual content will be relocated ⁣to the adult⁤ section.

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Councilwoman Gracey Van Der⁣ Mark,⁤ the initiator ​of‌ this resolution, responded to concerns raised by community ⁣members⁢ regarding sexually explicit books in‍ the children’s section of the libraries. ‌During​ the meeting, she emphasized the importance of ‌creating⁣ a safe environment​ for children and proposed moving sexually explicit books to the adult section.

The‌ meeting lasted ‌over five hours as numerous community members voiced their opinions. Supporters of the resolution expressed gratitude towards Ms. Van Der Mark and the council majority for their efforts to protect children from explicit⁢ material ⁤and involve the community in the decision-making process.

However, ⁤opponents of the resolution likened it to⁣ a “book ban,” arguing that⁢ it restricts access to certain books.‌ One ⁤resident ⁤stated, ‌”The proposed resolution⁢ effectively calls‍ for​ a process to ‍ban books.”

Huntington Beach Public⁤ Library in Huntington Beach, Calif., on June 21, 2023. (Julianne‍ Foster/The Epoch⁣ Times)
In response to the resolution, several human rights advocacy groups, ‍including The First Amendment Coalition, the ACLU of‌ Southern California, and ​the Freedom to ‍Read Foundation, wrote a letter ​to ‍the council. They argued that the resolution constituted government overreach and violated free speech rights.

“While no ⁤one can​ be forced to read‍ a library book to‍ which they object, no one has the ⁣right to subject, through force of ​government, the entire community to their narrow and arbitrary view of what books are acceptable for⁣ minors of any age to read,” stated the ‍groups in their ⁤letter on October⁣ 17.

The establishment​ of the panel ⁣is ⁣a result of ⁤a proposal introduced ⁢by Ms. Van​ Der Mark in June. The proposal directed ‌city staff​ to develop various methods for screening library books ⁣and‌ present them to the board in the fall.
During the ⁣June meeting, Ms. Van Der Mark showcased a slideshow featuring several⁢ examples of what she deemed inappropriate books from the children’s and teens’ sections of ‌the city’s libraries.
One of the books, titled Granddad’s Pride, aimed at children aged ⁤3–6, depicts a young child at a Pride parade witnessing two men⁢ engaging in public fondling ⁢while wearing harnesses.
Another book, Gender Queer, ‍a graphic illustrated memoir for grades 7–12, explores the author’s journey of self-discovery regarding sexuality, including topics such as gender dysphoria, masturbation, sex toys, and sexual acts.

One scene in this book,⁤ censored by Ms. Van Der⁢ Mark, graphically depicts⁤ full nudity and characters engaging in oral sex.

Furthermore, a book called The V Word ⁤provides explicit descriptions of female-on-female oral sex and ⁢other ⁢sexual acts, while the ‌book “S.E.X.” ⁣describes and illustrates disturbing sexual acts, according to​ Ms. ‌Van Der Mark.

How ⁢does ⁣the ordinance aimed at ⁣preventing children from accessing⁤ sexually explicit material⁤ in libraries ⁢balance ​the protection of children and the principles of free speech?

Creening-childrens-library-books-for-obscene-content-5348332?ea_src=author_manual&ea_med=related_stories” ⁢target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>recently passed ordinance⁢ ⁣in Huntington Beach, aimed at preventing children from accessing sexually ⁤explicit material in libraries. The ordinance⁣ garnered significant attention and⁣ sparked a heated debate among community members, leading to the formation of the‌ community panel.‌ The role ‌of this panel will be to review and approve books that will be included in the⁢ city’s libraries, ensuring that they are⁤ appropriate for children.

Proponents of the⁣ resolution argue that it is necessary ‍to protect children from inappropriate content and create a safe environment for them in public spaces. ​They believe that allowing sexually explicit books​ in the children’s section ⁣can have ‍a negative impact on their development and well-being. ⁤By relocating such books to the adult‍ section,⁢ they aim to provide parents with more control over the ⁤materials accessed⁤ by their children.

Interior of a library ⁢with shelves full of books. (Pixabay)

However, opponents see the resolution as an infringement on free speech rights and argue that it restricts access to certain books. They believe that ‌parents should ⁤have the ⁣freedom to⁢ decide what is appropriate for their ⁣own children and that‌ the government should ‍not ​intervene in this matter. The letter from human rights advocacy groups highlights ⁣the potential violation of free speech rights and⁢ calls for a broader perspective in considering what books⁣ are acceptable for minors.

The establishment of the community‍ panel aims to address both sides of the argument by involving ⁢community members ⁤in⁤ the decision-making process. The panel will consist of individuals appointed by ‍each⁣ council⁣ member, ensuring diverse representation and a range of perspectives. The inclusion of community⁤ members in this panel ensures that⁣ the ‌decision-making ⁤process is not solely dependent‍ on the council’s conservative majority.

It⁤ is important ⁤to note that while the resolution⁣ focuses​ on sexually explicit content, it does⁣ not restrict access to ⁣all ‍books or limit the ‍freedom to read. ⁣The intent is to relocate books with ‌sexual content to the adult‌ section and require parental ‌consent for access, rather than banning them ⁤outright. This approach allows for a balance between ⁢protecting⁤ children and respecting ‌freedom of speech.

As the community panel⁤ begins its work, ‌it will face⁤ the task of‍ reviewing and approving books for the city’s ⁣libraries. Their role is crucial​ in ensuring​ that the materials available ​to children‍ are appropriate and align with the community’s values and standards. ⁣The panel’s decisions⁣ should be guided by ⁤an objective evaluation ‍of ‍each book’s‍ content rather than personal biases or preferences.

The formation of the community panel in Huntington Beach⁢ reflects ​the ongoing‌ debate surrounding the presence ​of sexually explicit material ‌in public​ spaces. It represents a proactive step‍ towards finding ‌a middle ground that takes into account the concerns of both sides. Ultimately, the panel’s success ⁤will hinge on its ability ⁣to ⁢uphold the principles of free speech while also prioritizing the protection and well-being of children.

It remains to be seen how the community ‌panel’s ⁢decisions ​will be received and whether they will strike a balance that satisfies both supporters and opponents of the ‌resolution. The process to determine library books in Huntington‍ Beach has⁤ entered a new phase, characterized by community involvement and collective decision-making.



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