Federal judge blocks Iowa’s enforcement of book ban law SF 496

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking Iowa from enforcing major parts of an education law, SF 496, that led to the removal of hundreds of books from school library shelves. The blocked provisions include a ban on books with sexually explicit content and a section prohibiting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary school.

The judge stated that the ban on books likely violates the First Amendment and called the section on sexual orientation and gender identity “void for vagueness.” The law faced legal challenges from LGBTQ students and educators, who argued it was discriminatory and violated freedom of speech. The ruling prevents enforcement of the book removal provisions, set to take effect on January 1, as the lawsuits continue.

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab