ACLU Arkansas Statement on Federal Appeals Court Reversing Ruling Blocking Arkansas Book Censorship Law

“Today’s decision is incredibly troublesome. A federal district court carefully examined Act 372 and concluded that its key provisions violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments because they threatened free expression and invited government censorship of books and ideas.

 

This ruling reaches a different conclusion, but it does not change what’s at stake. Libraries and bookstores should be places where people can freely explore ideas — not where librarians and booksellers face criminal liability for providing constitutionally protected materials. The freedom to read is fundamental to a free society, and we remain committed to defending that principle. We are reviewing the court’s opinion carefully and evaluating all available legal options, including further review.” — Holly Dickson, Executive Director, ACLU of Arkansas