The repeal of the educational and library exception may have significant implications for institutions such as schools and libraries in Wyoming. With the absence of this exception, educators and librarians could face legal consequences for distributing materials that may be construed as obscene, even in educational contexts. This change could lead to a chilling effect, where educators and librarians are less inclined to provide access to certain materials due to fear of legal repercussions, thus potentially limiting the breadth of educational resources available to students and the community.
Summary
Senate File 0177 seeks to amend existing laws related to the offense of promoting obscenity by repealing an educational and library exception. Specifically, the bill targets a provision in Wyoming Statutes (W.S. 6-4-302(c)(ii)) that previously allowed for exemptions under educational and library contexts related to obscenity charges. The intent behind this repeal is to strengthen the legal framework against the promotion of obscene materials, potentially leading to stricter enforcement regarding what constitutes permissible content in educational and library settings.
Contention
Debate surrounding SF0177 likely centers on the balance between protecting minors from exposure to obscene content and maintaining academic freedom within educational environments. Proponents of the bill argue that the existing exception poses a risk to the dissemination of inappropriate materials to youth, advocating for a more stringent stance on obscenity. Conversely, critics might contend that the repeal unnecessarily criminalizes educational efforts and jeopardizes the autonomy of educational institutions to curate broad and diverse content, which is essential for comprehensive education.