BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – The North Dakota Senate has passed a bill to keep libraries from allowing minors to access sexually explicit materials.
As originally introduced, it would have prohibited public libraries from even having explicit sexual material, but it was amended by the Judiciary Committee.
Sen. Janne Myrdal of Edinburg said the bill now passes what’s known as the “Miller Test,” which she said has three points.
“Explicit sexual material means many material which – taken as a whole – appeals to the prurient interest of minors, is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community of North Dakota as a whole with respect to what is suitable materials for minors, and – taken as a whole – lacks serious literacy, artistic, political, and scientific value for minors,” Myrdal said.
Fargo Democratic Sen. Ryan Braunberger said he voted for the amendment in committee, but warned this is a step in the wrong direction for censorship.
“I don’t think anybody in this body can agree that pornography should be shown to children,” Braunberger said. “I am one of those individuals. However, these bills have an underlying intent to target individuals of the LGBTQ community.”
HB 1205 passed 39 to 7. it now goes back to the house.