Parental rights, 'book bans': 5 highlights from Gavin Newsom's podcast debut

5.  Suggests the Bible is pornographic 

Newsom asked Kirk to weigh in on what he described as “book bans.” The conservative activist told Newsom, “I think we can both agree pornography should not be taught to 9-year-olds.” While Newsom described the proposition as a “fair point,” Kirk considered his answer as evidence that the governor would support a “book ban.”

When Kirk called for the removal of all books with pornographic content from California school libraries, Newsom asked, “Does that include the Bible?” Kirk stressed that “It’s not just the words, it’s the images.” 

After Kirk highlighted additional concerns, including books that teach 10-year-olds how to put condoms on, Newsom assured him that he heard his concerns, but asked, “Who the hell is going to decide that? Government? I mean, is [Florida’s Republican Gov.] Ron DeSantis going to decide what I can read or say in the boardroom or the classroom?”