Libraries across Ohio are demanding Gov. Mike DeWine to veto a provision in the state’s proposed budget bill that would require books addressing transgender identities and related topics to be moved out of children’s sections.
The mandate, included in the broader two-year operating budget passed by the Ohio legislature, has sparked concern among some librarians, educators, and advocacy groups who view it as government overreach into local library governance.
The language in the bill directs public libraries to relocate “sexually explicit materials or materials concerning gender identity and transgender issues” out of spaces designated for children and young readers. Supporters of the provision argue that such materials are inappropriate for young audiences and should be available only in age-restricted areas or with parental guidance.
“Parents have a right to know what their children are accessing, especially on topics as sensitive and complex as gender identity,” said State Rep. Gary Click R-Vickery, a vocal proponent of the measure. “This provision simply ensures that these discussions happen with families—not through unsupervised browsing in the children’s section.”
Click and others have framed the provision as a matter of parental rights and age-appropriate education, not censorship. “We’re not banning books,” Click added. “We’re asking for responsible placement. If these books are truly educational, parents can still access them for their children.”
But library leaders across the state have pushed back sharply, warning that the measure could lead to a chilling effect on inclusive materials and open the door to subjective, politicized decisions about book placement.
The Ohio Library Council, which represents more than 250 public library systems statewide, issued a public statement urging Governor DeWine to veto the provision. The council cited concerns about intellectual freedom and the politicization of library collections.
“Public libraries have a long-standing commitment to providing access to materials that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve,” the Council wrote. “This provision undermines the professional judgment of librarians, interferes with local control, and sets a dangerous precedent for government-imposed censorship.”
Local libraries have echoed that message, noting that age-appropriateness, professional review standards, and community needs already guide book placement decisions. Many argue that books addressing transgender topics are often included in children’s sections precisely because they serve young readers who may be exploring their identities or seeking representation.
“Books like I Am Jazz or When Aidan Became a Brother are valuable resources for children and families,” said Megan Sullivan, youth services coordinator at the Cuyahoga County Public Library. “They promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion—values we believe are fundamental to a public library’s mission.”
Sullivan warned that the new mandate could force librarians to preemptively exclude books based on potential controversy rather than their educational value. “This law isn’t about protecting kids,” she said. “It’s about restricting access to stories that some people find uncomfortable.”
The debate comes at a time when similar policies have emerged in school districts and state legislatures across the country, often targeting books that deal with race, gender, and sexuality. Critics say the trend reflects a broader effort to curtail access to diverse viewpoints under the banner of parental rights.
Governor DeWine has not publicly indicated whether he intends to issue a line-item veto on the provision, though he has used that authority in past budget bills to remove contentious language. The budget must be signed by the end of June, placing pressure on the governor to weigh competing calls for free expression and parental oversight.
As the deadline approaches, librarians, parents, and lawmakers are watching closely on both sides of the issue. “We urge the governor to stand with libraries and the communities they serve,” the Ohio Library Council said in its statement. “Access to information should not be subject to political whims.”
Whether DeWine agrees remains to be seen, but for Ohio’s libraries, the outcome will shape how—and where—children can encounter books which are sexually explicit or advocate philosophies which are outside the mainstream of gender understanding for years to come.
