Rapert aims to use post on library board to attack libraries

Full headine: Former state Sen. Jason Rapert aims to use post on library board to attack libraries

Former state senator turned Christian nationalism cheerleader Jason Rapert is one of Gov. Sarah Sanders‘ two picks for the State Library Board, and he’s pledged to use that new authority to … defund libraries?

Rapert said he aims to enforce a new state law that puts librarians in legal jeopardy and lets local officials have the final say on what books belong (or don’t) on library shelves. The law was blocked by a federal judge over the summer after a group of plaintiffs, including library systems in Central Arkansas and Fayetteville, sued to stop it. The libraries suing the state should have their funding cut, he said.

But the Bible-thumping, vocally anti-LGBTQ+ Rapert will need state senators’ votes to make his appointment official, and opponents are piping up to make the case against their former colleague, unaffectionately nicknamed “the bully from Bigelow.” They include state Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forest), who announced on Twitter yesterday that he planned to object to the appointment at a December meeting.

Rapert is founder and president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, a group whose mission is to “bring federal state and local lawmakers together in support of clear biblical principles.” He’s best known for his advocacy of a complete abortion ban and his successful campaign to put a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds (twice: the first one got creamed by an agitated man in his Dodge Dart).