Examples of removed books include 'Julián is a Mermaid' by Jessica Love and 'Ana on the Edge' by A.J. Sass, both of which highlight diverse narratives.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit emphasize the importance of representation in literature for children and young adults, asserting that access to diverse materials is essential for equality.

The ACLU has cautioned other South Carolina library systems against adopting similar restrictive policies, highlighting the ongoing national debate over censorship and LGBTQ representation.

This legal action underscores the rising tensions over book bans across the United States, reflecting a broader trend of challenges to LGBTQ representation in public libraries.

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina on March 26, 2025, the lawsuit claims that the library's actions infringe upon the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of its patrons.

Allen Chaney, the ACLU of South Carolina's Legal Director, emphasized that the county cannot censor materials simply because they are deemed objectionable by officials.

Local advocates argue that diverse stories are essential for children's development, asserting that censorship undermines the educational mission of libraries.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has initiated a lawsuit against the Greenville County Library System, alleging the removal of books featuring LGBTQ characters and themes.

The complaint asserts that the library's restrictions stem from discriminatory animus towards transgender individuals, causing ongoing harm to the plaintiffs.

In 2024, the library board implemented a policy mandating the relocation of materials discussing gender transitioning from young adult and juvenile sections to adult sections, further limiting access for younger readers.

The lawsuit seeks to prevent the county from enforcing similar restrictive policies in the future, arguing that such actions violate the rights of young readers.

The library board's decision to remove LGBTQ-themed materials reflects a broader pattern of censorship, with 59 titles banned primarily due to their content, influenced by local political pressures.