Several major book publishers and authors have filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging a Florida law that limits sexually explicit content in school libraries.
Major publishing houses, including Penguin Random House, MacMillan Publishing Group, Hachette Book Group, and Simon and Schuster, are among those challenging the law in court.
The plaintiffs argue the law violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, creating a “culture of fear” among educators and restricting access to constitutionally protected books.
Read: Florida School Board Members Seeks Protection In ‘Tango’ Book Removal Case
The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, requires the removal of materials deemed sexually explicit or pornographic. While the publishers haven’t named specific books affected, they are seeking to have parts of the law declared unconstitutional.
They contend that the law’s definition of “sexual conduct” is overly vague and interferes with their ability to make books available to students. They also argue that the law unfairly stigmatizes books without considering their overall literary or educational value.
Read: Federal Judge Sends ‘Tango’ Book Dispute In Florida To Mediation
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of challenges to recent legislation in Florida that aims to increase parental control over educational materials.
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