Idiotic Censorship Watch

It looks like ALA will have some new fodder for Banned Books Week next year, and legitimately so in this case:

An Alabama lawmaker who sought to ban gay marriages now wants to ban novels with gay characters from public libraries, including university libraries.

A bill by Rep. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, would prohibit the use of public funds for "the purchase of textbooks or library materials that recognize or promote homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle." Allen said he filed the bill to protect children from the "homosexual agenda."

Allen said that if his bill passes, novels with gay protagonists and college textbooks that suggest homosexuality is natural would have to be removed from library shelves and destroyed.

"I guess we dig a big hole and dump them in and bury them," he said.

Birmingham News, December 1, 2004. (Link via Captain's Quarters)

What is there to say about such a mind-boggling display of reactionary stupidity? Let's hope this bill dies the quick death it deserves. While I've been strongly critical of ALA for its selective indignation regarding censorship, this is one case where all who believe in intellectual freedom need to stand united and make sure nothing comes of this idiotic proposal.