Several major book publishers are suing the state of Florida over what they say is an unconstitutional restricting of school library books.

The lawsuit was filed by Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster and Sourcebooks. Multiple prominent authors are also listed as plaintiffs, including John Green and Jodi Picoult.

The lawsuit targets HB 1069, legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year.

The law prohibits “pornographic” materials or materials depicting “sexual conduct” from being used in classrooms or made available in school libraries.

Under HB 1069, parents are also allowed to read passages from books of concern at school board meetings.

If they are denied the ability to read, the school district must “discontinue” use of the book, according to the legislation.

The lawsuit claims elements of HB 1069 violate the First Amendment, calling them “impermissibly overboard content-based restrictions.” It also alleges the state has seen a surge in book banning efforts as a result of the law, claiming hundreds of titles have been removed from school libraries statewide.

HB 1069 incentivizes school districts to remove many more books than the First Amendment allows,” the lawsuit reads, alleging districts receive “financial incentives” for removing books. The lawsuit also argues HB 1069 has led to school districts imposing a “regime of strict censorship.”

When reached for comment, the Florida Department of Education called the lawsuit “a stunt.”

“There are no books banned in Florida,” the department said. “Sexually explicit material and instruction are not suitable for schools.”

Last year, Penguin Random House filed a federal lawsuit against Escambia County Public Schools in western Florida.

The lawsuit alleged the district violated the First Amendment through the removal of 10 library books, including“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and“The Bluest Eye.”

Gov. DeSantis has consistently defended his state’s approach, calling allegations that Florida bans books a “hoax.”

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