Federal Bill Threatens Bookstores and Libraries: A Fight Over Obscenity and Censorship

A proposed federal bill in the US, the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), seeks to redefine obscenity and empower prosecutors to punish those who create or distribute "extreme" online content. Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, introduced the bill along with Illinois Representative Mary Miller. The bill's wording is consistent with the Communications Act of 1934, defining obscenity based on prurient interest and lack of serious literary value. However, concerns have been raised that the bill's broad definition could lead to censorship of LGBTQ+ and transgender stories. Critics argue that it could lead to the prosecution of librarians, booksellers, and publishers who stock such materials. Representative Miller stated that the legislation equips law enforcement with tools to remove harmful material from the internet. The video highlights the potential for this bill to impact public libraries and booksellers, drawing connections to the Heritage Foundation's "Mandate for Leadership" document, which describes pornography as a threat to society. The bill's passage is still pending.