COLUMBUS, Ohio-A recent bill introduced in the Ohio House by State Rep. Adam Mathews proposes charging teachers and librarians with a felony for distributing materials deemed “obscene,” yet fails to clearly define what constitutes obscenity. The bill outlines restrictions on creating, reproducing, or promoting such material but lacks specificity on what falls under “obscenity.”
Teacher and library organizations express concerns over the bill’s ambiguity, questioning its necessity and potential misuse. The Ohio Education Association and Ohio Federation of Teachers are reviewing the bill, highlighting worries about its vague language and possible weaponization against public schools and libraries. Additionally, uncertainties arise regarding the inclusion of “school district public libraries” and the bill’s impact on educational materials. While an “affirmative defense” is included in the bill, allowing justification for materials serving specific purposes, concerns persist regarding the breadth and clarity of the proposed legislation.
Proposed Ohio bill would charge teachers, librarians with felonies for ‘pandering obscenity’
