Resolution to Protect Texas Children From Sexualization in Texas Public Libraries
Template For County Republican Parties
Resolution To Protect Texas Children from Sexualization in Texas Public Libraries
WHEREAS, graphic illustrations and/or descriptions of sexually explicit conduct as defined in 18 U.S.C § 2256 (8) are being found in books marketed to children, including graphic novels and young adult literature; and
WHEREAS, these sexually explicit materials are being found in tax-payer funded Texas public school libraries and sections of public libraries that are curated for minors; and
WHEREAS, children are not physically, mentally, emotionally, or legally able to give consent to sexual conduct; and
WHEREAS, exposing children to sexually explicit materials is patently offensive to prevailing community standards and an affront to the sexual boundaries of children for which reasonable adults aim to uphold and protect as a measure against child sexual grooming and child sexual exploitation; and
WHEREAS, the sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children is a growing problem in the state of Texas that is made worse by the sexualization of children; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates American public airwaves for indecent and profane content between the hours of 6 AM and 10 PM when children might be present in the interest of protecting them from harmful speech; and
WHEREAS, the 88th Texas Legislature passed with bi-partisan support The R.E.A.D.E.R Act by Representative Jared Patterson and Senator Angela Paxton which mandates new library standards for the collection and development of materials for public school libraries, and includes the prohibition of the possession, acquisition, and purchasing of materials that are sexually explicit; and
WHEREAS, the Republican Party of Texas supports local jurisdictions in establishing local ordinances that reflect conservative principles and uphold prevailing community standards that protect our youngest Texans; now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the (insert name of County GOP), urges all (insert county) local municipalities to direct their public library boards to revise its youth collection and development policies to demonstrate a commitment to protecting children from inappropriate and harmful content; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the (insert name of county executive committee), urges the (insert city council) to pass a city ordinance that mandates collection and development policies for the (insert name of public library) that at the very least require the relocation of materials that are not subject matter or age appropriate for children, due to their sexual content or imagery, to an area that is not accessible to children;
ADOPTED by the (Insert Name of County GOP Executive Committee) on the (date of passage).