SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
In a move drawing sharp criticism across Alabama, the Alabama Public Library Service Board voted Thursday to remove books discussing transgender identities from the children’s and teen sections of all public libraries. The rule—set to affect more than 200 libraries—prohibits youth shelves from containing materials that reference “transgender procedures, gender ideology or the concept of more than two biological genders.” All such books must be placed in adult sections or removed entirely. The policy takes effect in 2026.
Board Chairman John Wahl, who also chairs the Alabama Republican Party, said the decision empowers families. “We want to put Alabama families in charge,” Wahl said. “This is a major step forward in putting parents back in control.”
Opponents describe the measure as censorship that erases transgender people from public spaces. The vote came on Transgender Day of Remembrance, as advocates gathered outside holding signs and voicing alarm.
Mack Reynolds, who is transgender, said representation matters. “Books are the best way for people to learn about those who are different,” Reynolds said, adding that restricting access only fuels fear and misunderstanding.
The exact scope of the rule remains unclear. While some supporters objected to books that discuss pronouns or a child’s transgender experience, critics worry the rule could ban any book with a transgender character. Angie Hayden of Read Freely Alabama warned that the policy could “slowly remove these books” altogether because state rules prevent purchasing children’s books deemed “inappropriate.”
The board also tightened youth library card access and delayed restoring funding to the Fairhope Public Library amid disagreements over LGBTQ+ titles.