“Seems obscene” says federal appeals court judge during hearing for Llano County library book removal case (Texas Tribune)

“Seems obscene” says federal appeals court judge during hearing for Llano County library book removal case – By Alejandro Serrano (Texas Tribune) / June 7, 2023

A 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in New Orleans heard oral arguments Wednesday for an appeal to overturn a judge’s order that Llano County officials return to shelves books they had removed. It was not clear how or when the appellate panel would rule.

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A federal appeals judge said Wednesday if two particular young adult books “don’t meet the definition of pornography, I don’t know what does,” before clarifying he meant “obscenity” during a hearing over the removal of certain books from a Central Texas public library.

Judge Kyle Duncan, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, made the remark while serving on a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel, which heard oral arguments for an appeal to overturn a judge’s order that Llano County officials return to shelves books that they had removed for purportedly not being age-appropriate for younger readers.

Other judges on the panel joined in questioning lawyers from both sides about the basis of their argument and the legal precedent that informed them.

The courtroom arguments were the latest battle in a war against certain books — mostly those that explore themes of race and sexuality — that has swept across the country, often led by Republican elected officials.

CONITNUE > https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/07/llano-county-books-appeal/