Alberta tables bill to reduce child access to sexually explicit images in public libraries | CBC News


Edmonton

The Alberta government is looking to make changes in all public libraries to ensure children and young teens don’t have access to graphic sexual images.

Bill is not a book ban, province says

Ontario announces plan to slash Niagara Region, Simcoe County councils and add ‘strong chair’ powers | CBC News

Listen to this article

Estimated 1 minute

The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.

Shelves of books in a library
The Alberta government is looking to make changes in public libraries aimed at ensuring that children and young teens can’t access to graphic sexual images. (Rob Kruk/CBC/Radio-Canada)

The Alberta government is looking to make changes in all public libraries to ensure children and young teens don’t have access to graphic sexual images.

A bill introduced by Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams promises not to ban books in libraries.

But it contemplates steps to make sure children ages 15 and under can’t access visual depictions of sex.

Options include having such material controlled by library staff or put in separate areas.

The province says public libraries are shared spaces for children and adults and that it is responsible for ensuring safeguards for minors.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government previously made rule changes to ban graphic sexual material in school libraries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Johnson is a reporter for The Canadian Press based in Alberta.

Corrections and clarifications·Submit a news tip·