TRENTON, N.J. – A recently introduced bill sponsored by Sen. Andrew Zwicker protecting librarians from lawsuits for providing sexually explicit reading material to children proves that their conduct is criminal, says Assemblyman Erik Peterson.
“It is illegal to provide minors obscene materials, so ‘Sick Zwick’ crafted this legislation to make an exception for librarians who want to supply vulgar and graphic books to children,” Peterson (R-Hunterdon) said. “Even the need for this legislation illustrates the criminal nature of what they are doing in public school libraries and it should concern every parent regardless of their political affiliation. Schools are curating a collection of books that appeal to prurient interests, promote exploring sexual deviance with minors and finding information about fetishes on the internet – home to known child predators.”
Zwicker’s “Freedom to Read Act” sets guidelines for challenging library materials, shields librarians from criminal liability and enables them to file a civil action against harassers.
“The Democrats are claiming this bill supports the First Amendment and protects freedom of speech, but all they want to do is silence those who disagree with librarians by threatening them with lawsuits,” Peterson said. “They do not care that parents feel that a book is on par with pornography, because they insist they are the experts on children, however their track record proves otherwise. New Jersey’s public school children are woefully behind in reading and math, and committing suicide because of relentless bullying. Schools respond by pushing a library full of X-rated books instead of focusing on the real mental health issues and academic needs of kids.”
North Hunterdon High School in Peterson’s legislative district has been at the center of controversy as its librarian Martha Hickson has gained national attention for defending her choice to have several sexually graphic books available in the library for students. The most recent book concerning parents at North Hunterdon, “Let’s Talk About It,” is described as a go-to handbook for every teen, but has come under fire by health educators for encouraging sexting and pornography, and spreading misinformation on STDs.
“Smut has no place in education and any who argue otherwise must have their motivations questioned,” he added.