Removed from several high school libraries due to "objectionable" language. A bookseller in Utah during the 1970's was arrested for selling the novel; charges were dropped but he was forced to close the store and move.
Burned in U.S., Ireland, Canada, England, and banned in England. In a Federal Supreme Court case the U.S. Courts established "the possibility of defense of literary merit against the charges of obscenity".
In 1940 the U.S. Post Office declared it "nonmailable". In 1973, Turkish book publishers and booksellers were on trial before Istanbul martial law tribunal on charges of "publishing, possessing, and selling books" that spread "propaganda unfavorable to the state".
Alabama legislation (2005) proposed prohibiting the use of public funds for "purchase of textbooks or library materials that recognize or promote homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle" including this novel.
Challenged by a board member in a suburban Chicago school district. Content regarding abortion was the main controversial point leading to the attempt.