This bill proposes the repeal of Code section 728.7, which currently provides obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions in Iowa. Under the existing law, the use of appropriate material for educational purposes in accredited schools, public libraries, and educational programs involving minors is permitted, as well as the attendance of minors at exhibitions or displays of art works. The section also outlines the definition of obscene material, which is determined by community standards and includes content that appeals to prurient interests and lacks serious literary, scientific, political, or artistic value.
By repealing this section, the bill removes the specific protections that allow for the use of certain materials in educational settings and public libraries, potentially impacting the availability of diverse educational resources for minors. The repeal signifies a shift in the legal framework governing obscenity and its application in educational contexts, which may lead to stricter interpretations of what materials can be used in these environments.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 728.7