Demonstrators gather to support library, protest enactment of HB 710

SANDPOINT — More than 50 people gathered outside Sandpoint's public library yesterday to show support for the library and protest the enactment of House Bill 710. The state law, which went into effect July 1, requires libraries to restrict minors' access to "harmful" material.

The law cites depictions or detailed descriptions of nudity or sexual behavior that are "offensive to prevailing standards" as examples of restricted material.

If a child obtains restricted material, the library can be fined $250 and the child or their guardian can request for it to be relocated to an area with adult access only. If the library fails to comply within 30 days, the child or guardian can file a lawsuit.

Supporters say the law is needed to help prevent minors from being exposed to inappropriate material. Others interpret the law as an infringement of First Amendment rights and an attempt to suppress access to LGBTQ+ content.

The event, organized by Karen Mathee and the Bonner County Democratic Central Committee, began with stories and short speeches shared by attendees. The participants then gathered along Division Avenue and showed homemade signs to passing cars.

Mathee, who is running for Idaho State Representative, Seat 1A as a member of the Democratic Party, explained her motive for coordinating the event. “Everyone is entitled to relate to literature that tells their story, so that they don't feel ashamed.”

“I feel that HB 710 is an infringement on those rights,” Mathee added. “What they’re trying to do through this legislation is criminal. It’s making people feel like outsiders.”

Elected offfcials representing District 1 were split in their stances when HB 710 passed through the Idaho legislature this spring. Sen. Scott Herndon and Rep. Sage Dixon voted in favor of the bill, while Rep. Mark Sauter voted against it.

Event attendees and former librarians Sue Elsa and Kate Walton expressed concern regarding HB 710. “It’s so important for people, especially young people, to choose what they read,” Elsa said. “They should have access to whatever that is.”

“If they (children) are different than the rest of people, they need to understand that it's acceptable to be this way,” added Walton, who spent 25 years as an employee at the Sandpoint public library. “How are kids going to know what the truth is?”

Libraries across the state are in the process of interpreting and responding to the new law. Staff members have the delicate task of complying with the legislation while protecting the First Amendment rights of publishers and patrons.

Vanessa Velez, interim director of the East Bonner County Library District, doesn’t believe that the district’s libraries have any content that is harmful to minors. Still, an in-house committee is being organized to respond to situations related to HB 710.

It remains to be seen how the new law will affect Idaho libraries. For now, Velez reports that the district is “complying with the law via our updated policy and form.”

  

    Demonstrators gathered outside Sandpoint's public library on Monday, July 1.
  

 Demonstrators gathered outside Sandpoint's public library on Monday, July 1.