Ohio lawmakers have proposed a bill that would charge librarians with felonies for exposing minors to "obscene" materials. A separate Ohio bill would defund libraries for displaying these materials.
Current state law already prohibits the selling and distribution of "obscene materials" with exceptions for a list of professions. But what constitutes "obscene," and are schools and state institutions equipped to enforce these restrictions if passed?
On Cincinnati Edition, we discuss the proposed legislation, current law and the potential impacts on schools and public libraries if passed.
Guests:
- Jessie Balmert, reporter, USA Today Network Ohio Bureau
- David Niven, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, University of Cincinnati
- Jonathan Entin, professor emeritus of law, Case Western Reserve University
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