Texas Governor Rails Against 'Obscene, Pornographic' Books

Texas Governor Rails Against 'Obscene, Pornographic' Books

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a strongly worded letter to the state’s Association of School Boards yesterday, endorsing a group of parents who demanded their children be “shielded” from some books in school libraries, and referring to the material as “clearly pornographic images and substance” and “obscene content.”

Abbott did not mention any titles by name when issuing his blanket warning about what he considers  “pornography or other inappropriate content.” However, the books in question mostly include material dealing with LGBTQ+ issues and with race.

The most prominent is the graphic memoir “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. Kobabe’s widely praised autobiographical comic, a 2020 American Library Association and Stonewall Book Award winner, is 240 pages long; only three of those pages include illustrations of sexual experiences.

Abbott's letter repeatedly blurs the distinction between “pornographic,” “obscene” and “inappropriate" and serves as a very general call for surveillance and possible censorship.

“A growing number of parents and Texas students are becoming increasingly alarmed about some of the books and other content found in public school libraries that are extremely inappropriate in the public education system,” the Republican governor claimed.

“The most flagrant examples include clearly pornographic images and substance that have no place in the Texas public education system,” he added.

“You have an obligation to Texas parents and students to ensure that no child in Texas is exposed to pornography or other inappropriate content while inside a Texas public school,” Abbott concluded in his letter to the Association of School Boards.

The group declared itself “confused” as to why the letter was sent to them, since they have "no regulatory authority over school districts and do not set the standards for instructional materials, including library books.”

Abbott's letter, the Texas Tribune reported, "comes on the heels of an inquiry launched by state Rep. Matt Krause, a Fort Worth Republican running for Texas attorney general. Krause sent a letter to certain school districts with an 850-book list that included novels about racism and sexuality."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Cherry Kiss, Derek Kage Cap AEBN's Top Stars for 4th Quarter of 2024

AEBN has revealed its most popular performers in gay and straight theaters for the fourth quarter of 2024.

A Golden Night in Hollywood: 2025 XMAs Shine on Adult Entertainment's Best

To paraphrase the unofficial U.S. Postal Service motto: Neither rain nor cold nor the chaos of natural disasters can stop members of the adult entertainment community from the completion of their appointed duty every January: to honor the artistic and commercial achievements of their peers.

What Changes in DC Could Mean for the Adult Industry

On November 5, 2024, American voters were called to the polls. The results of that election revealed an unquestionably uncomfortable truth for everyone, regardless of party or ideology: the “united” part of United States does not appear to be holding strong.

Byborg Acquires Gamma Entertainment

Luxembourg-based Byborg Enterprises SA has acquired 100% of Canadian adult conglomerate Gamma Entertainment.

Adult Creative Debuts 'Pornful' Website Management Platform

Web design and marketing firm Adult Creative has launched its new Pornful website management platform.

2025 XMA Winners Announced

Winners of the 2025 XMAs were revealed Sunday night during a ceremony hosted by Vanna Bardot and Ryan Reid at the world-famous Hollywood Palladium.

X3 Expo Day 2 Looks at the Industry's Past, and Ahead to Its Future

A gorgeous day in LA saw a massive procession making its way along Sunset Blvd., as hundreds of excited fans headed to the historic Hollywood Palladium for a rendezvous with the galaxy of A-list adult stars awaiting them on Day 2 of the 2025 X3 Expo.

X3 Expo Pops Off With All-Star Lineup

A wave of excited fans cascaded down Sunset Blvd., cresting and breaking with anticipation as they flowed into the historic Hollywood Palladium, where the A-list echelon of the adult world stood ready to greet them, pose with them, chat them up, and showcase the latest in spicy entertainment, as the 2025 X3 Expo popped off.

XBIZ Honors Uplifts Spirits Amid Challenging Times for LA and the Adult Industry

"A bunch of misfit toys." That’s how MojoHost founder Brad Mitchell described himself and his industry peers at the 2025 XBIZ Honors ceremony at Hollywood’s Kimpton Everly Hotel. Everyone cheered in agreement. Frankly, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kansas Sues Adult Website Operator Under AV Law

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed suit against SARJ LLC, alleging that the company’s adult websites have failed to implement age verification as mandated by state law.

Show More