The Oklahoma House is set to vote on a finalized version of HB2158. The full text of the bill includes new changes:
1.B.1 “Homosexual subject mater [sic]” means content that relates to the recruiting and advocating of same gender sexual relationships…1.B.2 “Sexually explicit subject matter” means content that describes or depicts sexual conduct… in specific and graphic detail so that a prurient interest in sex is promoted. Sexually explicit subject matter shall not mean content that merely mentions or references sexual conduct….
The law also includes a new section creating a State Library Material Content Advisory Board, which, “…shall annually develop a recommended list of child and young adult materials that contain homosexual or sexually explicit subject matter…” to be segregated within the library. This board will include two Representatives, two Senators, four parents, and four teachers, chosen by the legislative leadership.
There is still no provision for the enormous expense of issuing new library cards to every patron in the state, nor of constructing “…a special area of the library which is separate and apart from the children and young adult sections of the library…” in every public library building.
Well.. maybe…
Well, perhaps the libraries should make that special section, and the put up all sorts of signs. “HERE IS THE SECTION FOR BOOKS THAT THE IGNORANT AN THE BIGOTED DON’T WANT YOU TO READ”. If that is too inflammatory, perhaps “HERE SITS THE GOOD STUFF!!!” Better yet would be “WARNING THE LEGISLATURE DOESN’T WANT YOU READING THESE BOOKS”. Or, maybe, rainbow, or lavender, colored footprints leading to the section. It is possible to comply with the letter of this stupid law, while mocking it at the same time.