GRACEY VAN DER MARK (OC Tribune photo).

By Daniella Moreau/Orange County Tribune

Library materials containing sexual content will be reviewed and re-cataloged in a new policy adopted by the Huntington Beach City Council at Tuesday’s meeting.

The policy passed in a vote of 4-3, with Mayor Tony Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers Pat Burns and Casey McKeon in favor. Opposed were council members Natalie Moser, Dan Kalmick, and Rhonda Bolton.

Under the policy, any “obscene” and “pornographic” materials in the Huntington Beach Public Library system will be unavailable to minors. Any material that includes sexual content will be restricted to the adult section.

Parent or guardian consent will also be required when checking out any book that includes sexual content by anyone under the age of 18. With a parental control card, parents/guardians can place these restrictions or allow access to adult content for their children.

Van Der Mark said the parental control card gives parents and guardians the choice of whether their children have access to adult content.

“If there are parents who don’t want their children to access books in the adult section, they should have a right to have a card that makes them feel safe,” said Van Der Mark.

The policy also includes establishing a community parent/guardian review board to review all proposed or new children’s books and other materials procured by the city library that may contain sexual content. The community parent/guardian review board will comprise up to 21 members and be appointed by city council members.

Moser expressed concern about definitions of “obscene” or “pornographic” in discussing sexual content in the resolution.

“It’s broad, it’s subjective, and it would lead to potential inconsistencies in enforcement and application. What one deems as inappropriate, another might view as educational or crucial for children’s development,” said Moser.

With over 100 public comments, the meeting stretched until 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 7 in its council chambers at 2000 Main St. (at Yorktown Avenue).