Illinois became the first state in the United States to outlaw book bans in libraries on Monday. The new law, which Governor J.B. Pritzker signed, will cut off state funding for any library that tries to remove books from its shelves.
The law was prompted by a growing number of attempts to ban books from libraries and schools across the country, as reported by CBS News.
A Victory for Freedom of Speech
In 2022, there were more than 1,500 challenges to books in libraries and schools, according to the American Library Association. Most of the challenged books were about race, gender, sexuality, or LGBTQ+ issues.
Pritzker said that the new law was a victory for freedom of speech and a rebuke of those trying to censor our libraries. He added that regimes ban books, not democracies.
The new law is a significant victory for librarians and advocates for free speech. It is a reminder that libraries are places where all ideas are welcome, regardless of how controversial they may be.
The law applies to all libraries in Illinois, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. Any library that removes a book from its shelves without following the proper procedures will be ineligible for state funding. The law takes effect on January 1, 2024.
The new law is a welcome development in the fight against book bans. It is a reminder that libraries are places where all ideas are welcome and that freedom of speech is a fundamental right.
The new rule goes into effect as states all over the United States work to ban specific books from classrooms and libraries, particularly those with LGBTQ+ themes and written by people of color.
In March, the American Library Association reported that there were twice as many attempts to censor books in public and school libraries in 2022 as in 2021, the previous record year.
The American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights states that "materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation," or Illinois public libraries must adopt a comparable oath to qualify for state funding.
The legislation was proposed in the Illinois House of Representatives by Downers Grove Democrat Rep. Anne Stava-Murray after a school board in her district came under pressure to forbid particular materials from school libraries.
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Book Bans in the US
Book bans in the US have been on the rise in recent years. In 2022, there were more than 1,500 challenges to books in libraries and schools, according to the American Library Association. Most of the books that were challenged were about race, gender, sexuality, or LGBTQ+ issues.
These are a serious threat to freedom of speech. They prevent people from accessing information and ideas that they need to make informed decisions. They also send a message that certain ideas are not welcome in society.
The fight against book bans is important because it is a fight for freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that is essential for a healthy democracy. When people are able to access information and ideas freely, they are better able to make informed decisions about their lives.
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