(Indianapolis, IN) - A censorship bill passed the Indiana Senate earlier this week.

Senate Bill 12 seeks to remove books that may be considered inappropriate or pornographic from school library shelves. The bill sets up a procedure for parents to petition for a book’s removal and applies only to K-12 school libraries. The bill would also remove the exception to current obscenity laws for materials deemed to be educational.

Local Democratic Senator Rodney Pol opposed the legislation, saying it will only encourage book banning for political motives.

SB12 passed with a 37-12 vote. Republican Mike Bohacek of Michiana Shores voted yes. The bill now moves to the House, where it will be co-sponsored by Rep. Jake Teshka of South Bend.