Alberta has banned graphic books before. In the 1950s, 'salacious' comics were the target

Alberta's revised restrictions on books in schools take aim at works containing explicit images of sexual acts, but it's not the first time the province has banned graphics in the name of protecting children.

In 1954, the province established the Advisory Board on Objectionable Publications to control the sale of comic books and magazines.

The board was developed in response to a "growing outcry from parents, educators, religious leaders and others," to investigate so-called "crime comics" that supposedly inspired undesirable behaviour in kids.

Two members of the Advisory Board on Objectionable Publications examine comic books in this clipping from the Calgary Herald, March 9, 1955. (newspapers.com)

In July of this year, the provincial government issued a ministerial order asking