Current:Home > MarketsIllinois becomes first state in U.S. to outlaw book bans in libraries: "Regimes ban books, not democracies" -AssetPath
Illinois becomes first state in U.S. to outlaw book bans in libraries: "Regimes ban books, not democracies"
View
Date:2025-04-14 00:08:19
Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to outlaw book bans, after Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed legislation that would cut off state funding for any Illinois library that tries to ban books, CBS Chicago reports.
The new law comes as predominantly Republican-led states continue to restrict books some consider offensive in schools and libraries across the country.
"Book bans are about censorship; marginalizing people, marginalizing ideas and facts. Regimes ban books, not democracies," Pritzker said before signing the legislation Monday.
Illinois public libraries that restrict or ban materials because of "partisan or doctrinal" disapproval will be ineligible for state funding as of Jan. 1, 2024, when the new law goes into effect.
"We are not saying that every book should be in every single library," said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who is also the state librarian and was the driving force behind the legislation. "What this law does is it says, let's trust our experience and education of our librarians to decide what books should be in circulation."
The new law comes into play as states across the U.S. push to remove certain books in schools and libraries, especially those about LGBTQ+ themes and by people of color. The American Library Association in March announced that attempts to censor books in schools and public libraries reached a 20-year high in 2022 - twice as many as 2021, the previous record.
"Illinois legislation responds to disturbing circumstances of censorship and an environment of suspicion," said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom and executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation.
To be eligible for state funds, Illinois public libraries must adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, which holds that "materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation," or subscribe to a similar pledge.
Downers Grove Democrat Rep. Anne Stava-Murray sponsored the legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives after a school board in her district was subject to pressure to ban certain content from school libraries.
"While it's true that kids need guidance, and that some ideas can be objectionable, trying to weaponize local government to force one-size-fits-all standards onto the entire community for reasons of bigotry, or as a substitute for active and involved parenting, is wrong," Stava-Murray said Monday at the bill's signing, which took place at a children's library in downtown Chicago.
Despite Giannoulias' assertion that "this should not be a Democrat or Republican issue," lawmakers' approval of the bill splintered across party lines, with Republicans in opposition.
"I support local control," said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, a Republican who voted against the measure, in an emailed statement. "Our caucus does not believe in banning books, but we do believe that the content of books should be considered in their placement on the shelves."
- In:
- Illinois
- JB Pritzker
veryGood! (562)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Why Ballerina Farm Influencer Hannah Neeleman Rejects Tradwife Label
- 5 reasons Kamala can't be president that definitely aren't because she's a girl!
- Sonya Massey 'needed a helping hand, not a bullet to the face,' attorney says
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Responds to His Comments About Her Transgender Identity
- Cute & Comfortable Summer Shoes That You Can Wear to the Office
- New Ohio law mandates defibrillators in schools, sports venues after 2023 collapse of Bills’ Hamlin
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Dodgers Player Freddie Freeman's 3-Year-Old Son Can't Stand or Walk Amid Viral Infection
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Baton Rouge Metro Councilman LaMont Cole to lead Baton Rouge schools
- Justin Timberlake’s lawyer says pop singer wasn’t intoxicated, argues DUI charges should be dropped
- Former lawmaker sentenced to year in prison for role in kickback scheme
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- The Ford Capri revives another iconic nameplate as a Volkswagen-based EV in Europe
- Story Behind Lady Deadpool's Casting in Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool & Wolverine Is a True Marvel
- Ohio court rules that so-called boneless chicken wings can, in fact, contain bones
Recommendation
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
'Transformers One': Chris Hemsworth embraces nostalgia as Optimus Prime
Video shows fish falling from the sky, smashing Tesla car windshield on Jersey Shore
Where RHOC's Gina Kirschenheiter Stands With Boyfriend Travis Mullen After He Moved Out of Her House
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
Forensic review finds improprieties in Delaware gubernatorial candidate’s campaign finances
Why does Greece go first at the Olympics? What to know about parade of nations tradition
Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Responds to His Comments About Her Transgender Identity