Legislation to require local school boards to adopt a policy to address parent complaints about materials harmful to minors is headed to the Kentucky House. The term "harmful to minors" is defined in the bill and includes references to written or visual depictions of sexual acts. Speaking in favor of the legislation in committee was first-term Senator Lindsey Tichenor of Smithfield. She responded to a comment that Kentucky ranks high nationally when it comes to sexual abuse.
“I would argue clearly that when we’re desensitizing children to sexual things and making this content available in schools, you’re opening the door for sexual abuse,” said Tichnenor.
Leitchfield Senator Stephen Meredith said the determination for review comes when the material in a book, program, or event is delivered in an obscene manner. He said the measure is not about banning books wholesale.
Kate Miller, advocacy director for Kentucky ACLU, testified that young people are flooded with references to sexual activity through various means. Miller said the legislation could be considered state-sponsored censorship and that parent-child discussions about many difficult topics are a better approach.
“All of our children are going to be exposed to radical ideas. I’d rather us have conversations about it than ask the school to prohibit them from being able to access something that is inconsistent with my values,” said Miller.
Another person testifying, Chuck Eddy called it a book-banning bill.
The measure easily passed out of committee and was moved directly to the floor the same day. Senators approved the bill 29-4.
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