Texas Bill Threatens Library Access to Classic Literature and Sex Education
April 28, 2025
Filed by Representative Daniel Alders, the bill would mandate public libraries to remove or segregate such materials, imposing fines for non-compliance.
Texas House Bill 3225 aims to restrict access to materials deemed 'sexually explicit' for individuals under 18, a definition that broadly encompasses any sexual content.
If enacted, the bill would prevent libraries from displaying essential books in children's and teen sections, significantly impacting access to sex education, young adult novels, and classic literature.
Reflecting on the potential impact of the bill, the author highlights how it could have denied them access to significant literature during their youth, illustrating the collateral damage of censorship.
Critics argue that the bill undermines intellectual freedom and the educational needs of students, potentially discouraging families from choosing to live in Texas.
The author asserts that parents who wish to restrict their children's access to libraries should take personal responsibility instead of imposing censorship on everyone.
The author, a Texas writer and vice president of the Texas Institute of Letters, warns that many important works, including Lonesome Dove and The Great Gatsby, could be banned under this legislation.
Libraries, as valuable public resources funded by taxpayers, should preserve access to all literature for readers of all ages, according to the author.
Summary based on 1 source
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Source

The Texas Observer • Apr 28, 2025
Texas Shouldn’t Legislate Censorship