A former Wyoming librarian has filed a second federal lawsuit following her dismissal from the Campbell County Public Library System, deepening a legal dispute that now intersects with a broader legislative debate over access to library materials, WyoFile reports.
The lawsuits come as state lawmakers consider changes to obscenity laws and potential book restrictions in public libraries.
Terri Lesley, who served as the library system’s director for over a decade, was fired in July 2023 following ongoing controversy over the library’s inclusion of books that explore topics related to sexuality, particularly LGBTQ+ issues. The conflict, which spanned over two years, involved vocal local activists and culminated in significant changes to the county library board.
Lesley’s first lawsuit, filed in September 2023, targets members of the Bennett family, who had publicly called for her removal and accused her of allowing minors access to inappropriate material. Prosecutors declined to bring charges, determining that the books in question did not meet the legal standard for obscenity under Wyoming law.
Her second lawsuit, filed this week, expands the list of defendants to include Campbell County, its library board, and members of the county commission. Lesley alleges that her firing was politically motivated and retaliatory, claiming it violated her constitutional right to free speech.
Among those named in the new lawsuit is Sage Bear, a member of the library board and spouse of Rep. John Bear, a leading figure in the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. The lawsuit claims Bear and other officials were central figures in efforts to remove Lesley over her resistance to censoring certain library books.
Rep. Bear declined to comment, citing legal advice given to his wife. Campbell County officials have not yet formally responded to the lawsuit.
Lesley’s legal efforts come at a time when Wyoming lawmakers are increasingly engaged in the conversation around public library content. The Legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee has begun a multi-year review of the state’s obscenity laws, with some lawmakers proposing policies to restrict access to books addressing sexuality and gender identity, particularly for minors.
A similar proposal introduced during the most recent legislative session was tabled for further study. Advocates for public libraries and free speech, including the Wyoming Library Association and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, have expressed concern that such legislation could limit access to diverse viewpoints and infringe on First Amendment protections.
Supporters of Lesley argue that her case highlights the growing pressure faced by library officials across the country as cultural debates over gender and sexuality make their way into local institutions. According to her lawsuit, Lesley spent 27 years in the library system and led it through various initiatives aimed at representing diverse communities, including celebrating Pride Month and hosting a magician who happened to be transgender.
While some local residents and officials viewed these actions as controversial, her supporters contend that Lesley was fulfilling the library’s role as a public institution serving a broad range of patrons.
As the legal process moves forward, the lawsuits have attracted attention from statewide organizations and may shape future policy discussions in Wyoming. Advocates for free speech hope the litigation will prompt lawmakers to consider the importance of preserving intellectual freedom in public libraries.
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