V. 1 up. BAT] Opinion The Battalion Page 9 • Tuesday, September 24, 2002 >>l Dep statistic in 4 county may ban books Montgomery County residents protest sexual education books in public library I JENELLE WILSON ii Montgomery County, north fcf Houston, a battle is brew ing over which books chil- jren should have access to in a aublic library. After some com- alaints about it being “immoral,” i popular children’s book was pulled and sent to a review pam 1. which will recommend whether the book should stay an the shelves or be banned. Not only does banning books assail the First Amendment, i^fcractice goes against the nature of democracy. Individuals must be able to decide what books are good or bad for them selves and their own families. No one else has the right to make that decision. At the center of this controversy are four copies of a popu lar children's book by Robie H. Harris entitled ‘‘/t’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health!' According to the Houston Chronicle, this book has translations in 17 languages and worldwide sales topping 650.000 copies. Publishers Weekly’s review said the book “frankly explains the physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty” and called it “intel ligent, amiable and carefully researched.” C ritics of the book include County Judge Alan B. Sadler, who has vowed to change the process by which books are sclented for the library. These critics have called the book obscene and claim it promotes homosexuality. Some have even gone as far as demanding that library director Jerilynn Williams and the person who approved the purchase of the books be Fired. They also want the county to withdraw from the American Library Association, which speaks out against 23! ,', banning books. or i percent,:: Houston Chronicle reports the critics are attacking * .jched 1,165: another book by Harris, “It's So Amazing: A Book about rd & Poors : Egg\, Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families’,’ because of the •rccnt, to 83' same “pro-homosexual stance.” This book, which is directed toward younger children, addresses issues such as conception, itlOH COnk birth, love, sexuality, family, adoption, sexual abuse and HIV dlert tO •• anc * in what Scientific American calls a “gentle and respectful manner.” Both books are highly praised and recommended. They ovvenng^ offar simple, clear explanations to children about what is or ' \ will be happening to their bodies and should be available to { anyiparents who wish to use them. According to the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, fie