Book Bans, Who Decides?

Republicans don’t want you to you read anything that doesn’t fit their narrow, allegedly Christian, white, Right Wing view of the world.

They want to make it more difficult for health professionals to have access to valid works on sexuality and sexual behavior.

Just read the draft bill considered by the Joint Judicial Committee this month.  Link to https://wyoleg.gov/InterimCommittee/2025/01-2025081226LSO-0080v0.5.pdf

The bill ignores the the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It substitutes the wisdom of the Founding Fathers for the questionable motives of  “any interested party.”

“Any interested party” also underscores that Republicans support local control only when local actions fall within their ideological boundaries. “Any interested party” could be an Oklahoma religious blogger, a Texas housewife or a South Carolina Republican party official.

Under this bill, “any interested party” can be awarded cash and recover attorney’s fees. Even if unsuccessful, the individual or school district or public library sued will    have paid out thousands defending themselves; funds that not readily available to most.

Lindsey Travis, Wyoming Library Association president, has said, “There’s not one librarian out there who is forcing anyone to check out any book,” Travis said.  

The committee wants books with objectionable sexual content in a section clearly labeled “adults only.” Librarians would need to constantly make sure no underage children have access. Anyone who’s been in a Laramie public or school library can see the logistical nightmare that presents.

Even if not sued, the draft provides for “a civil penalty of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for each violation …” for any library or school district employee or contractor charged. This provision has received a lot of negative comment but remains in the draft.

Bottom line: The drafters of this bill don’t even trust us to exercise oversight.

The committee will vote on sponsorship of the bill October 13. It refuses to take more testimony so you must write or call Senators Olsen and Representative Washut, committee co-chairs. Tell them that banning books violates your First Amendment rights and there are far more important issues for them to work on.

Sen. Jared Olsen
P.O. Box 4333
Cheyenne, WY 82003
307-679-8689
Jared.Olsen@wyoleg.gov

Rep. Art Washut
4031 Crystie Lane
Casper, WY 82609
307-251-4725
Art.Washut@wyoleg.gov

Wyoming Republicans are very selective on when they support “local control.” Like when banning books from public and school libraries.

Sen. Jared Olsen, R-Cheyenne, Joint Judiciary Committee co-chair, said, “This idea of local control I support but local control is obviously not working if these books are in our libraries.”

Obviously, local control has their backing ONLY WHEN it doesn’t offend far-right sensibilities. So-called obscenity, trans-gender books and clearly unhealthy obsession with sex is the number one priority of the committee, per a wyofile.org article.

The Joint Judiciary Committee is considering a bill to punish libraries for the nonexistent problem. And they’re thinking of blatantly punitive fines, endangering the future of some libraries and the future of librarians doing their jobs.

Per a wyofile.org article, the committee wants books with objectionable sexual content in a section clearly labeled “adults only.” Librarians would need to constantly make sure no underage children have access. Anyone who’s been in a Laramie public or school library can see the logistical nightmare that presents.

Lindsey Travis, president of the Wyoming Library Association, explained that “we have policies in place so parents make the decision about what their kids check out, not the librarians.” 

“There’s not one librarian out there who is forcing anyone to check out any book,” Travis said.

In an email to the committee, Travis wrote, "We are, however, unwilling to compromise on legislation that allows library professionals to be prosecuted simply for doing their jobs.”

Happily, several committee members said they oppose any penalties in a new bill.

The committee’s lone Democrat, our own Rep. Ken Chestek, spoke truth to power. Per a wyofile.org, article, he voiced concern the committee’s bill would exceed the “Miller Test,” as determined by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“To me it’s (obscenity and libraries) the least important topic we have (on the interim agenda),” said Chestek. “I think librarians do good work. I think local control is important … But this one’s a complete distraction that’s going to keep us from doing real work.”

Chestek said handing the issue to the state government pits families against one another and strips from parents the responsibility to monitor what their kids are reading – while placing added burdens on librarians.

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Want to know more? Check out these resources:

ACLU of Wyoming - general site

Wyoming Library Association