H.R. 7661: Stop the Sexualization of Our Children Act
A bill framed as protecting children is rapidly advancing in Congress, but critics warn it will usher in sweeping censorship in schools and libraries nationwide. Please read below about H.R. 7661 and learn more about what we can do to stop its passage.
H.R. 7661, the “Stop the Sexualization of Our Children Act,” was introduced on February 24, 2026, and advanced out of the House Education and Workforce Committee on March 17. On its face, the bill limits the use of federal funds for programs or materials deemed “sexually oriented,” a goal that may sound reasonable to many. But in practice, the legislation creates a vague standard that puts schools and libraries at risk of losing funding if they fail to comply, incentivizing widespread removal of books, curricula, and student resources.
The bill’s broad definitions open the door to targeting materials related to gender dysphoria, transgender identity, and by extension LGBTQ+ experiences, effectively sidelining entire communities. Equally concerning, it protects a list of acceptable “classic works” of literature from Compass Classroom, a private homeschooling company with a clear ideological perspective rooted in evangelical Christianity. Public schools and libraries are meant to serve diverse communities, not reflect the views of any one religious tradition. For Jewish families and others, this raises serious concerns about religious neutrality and inclusion. Ultimately, the chilling effect of this bill could lead educators and librarians to preemptively remove anything that might be considered controversial, silencing important voices and limiting students’ access to a full and representative education.
HR. 7661 is expected to move to a full House vote very soon, and if passed, would then be introduced to in the Senate. Please call or email your Senators and Representative to ask them to oppose this legislation.
Make Your Calls
Call or email your U.S. Representative and your two U.S. Senators and ask them to vote against H.B 7661.
Find your House member by clicking HERE.
https://findmydistrict.ohiosos.gov
Your Senators can be contacted at:
Senator Bernie Moreno
(216)522-7272
https://www.moreno.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Senator Jon Husted
https://www.husted.senate.gov/contact/contact-jon/
You can also call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with your Senator’s or Representative’s office.
Sample Call or Email Language
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State or Zip Code].
I’m calling to urge [Representative/Senator] to oppose H.R. 7661, the “Stop the Sexualization of
Children Act.” This bill could pressure public schools to remove books, materials, and programs
by threatening federal funding. Its definition of “sexually oriented material” is too broad, and it
specifically targets material that “involves gender dysphoria or transgenderism,” which makes it
a direct threat to LGBTQ+ teachers, students and stories.
This bill is also a religious freedom issue. Public schools should serve students of all faiths and none, not enforce censorship rooted in a specific religious ideology.
Please oppose H.R. 7661 and speak out for the freedom to read, inclusive public education, and true religious freedom for all.
Thank you, [your name]
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