SB 2307 Is Censorship

Senate Bill 2307 is another attempt by North Dakota legislators to censor materials in our public libraries and override our First Amendment rights. Here are four reasons to join us in opposing the bill:

1. The bill would censor books and materials in our libraries. The bill’s vague definition of “explicit sexual materials” would open the door to individuals placing their own morals and standards on library materials. A small group of individuals shouldn’t be making decisions for the community about what is appropriate in our public libraries.
2. The bill would especially impact our rural communities. While some public libraries in North Dakota have different sections—like children’s, teen, and adults—many others are one room libraries. Interpreting the language of the bill "not easily accessible to children" is incredibly vague and will create a hardship for rural libraries. They don’t have the facilities or budget to separate the sections and would be in danger of violating the law if this bill passed.
3. The bill would criminalize librarians. Librarians who display books with nudity on the cover could face criminal charges. Even shirtless men on the cover of romance novels would be a violation of the law if the bill passed.
4. The bill is state government overreach. State's attorneys would be required to review complaints from individuals about materials in our local libraries and could decide to withhold funding as punishment for not complying.

These are just four of the reasons to oppose Senate Bill 2307. Join us by contacting your legislators today to urge them to vote no on SB 2307. 

North Dakotans should be able to freely access information without government interference.