State House passes bill prohibiting book bans at public libraries twill
House Bill 2789 is an initiative of Democratic Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office oversees the Illinois State Library and administers several grant programs for public and school libraries as well as adult literacy programs throughout the state.
"Banning books is the sort of behavior that was once, for good reason, associated with the worst, most repressive and repugnant authoritarian regimes of the mid-20th century and before," Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, a Naperville Democrat and the bill's lead sponsor, said during debate on the House floor."The fact that this is even up for discussion in America in the 21st century is disgusting.
"Students led a community-supported effort in my district to keep the book in the library," Stava-Murray said."But kids shouldn't have to be the heroes. ... Nobody is forcing you or your children to check out or purchase or read these books. If they are not consistent with your personal beliefs, don't read them."
"I find this a complete assault on local control," said Rep. Martin McLaughlin, a Barrington Hills Republican "I am not for banning books at all," he said."I am for age-appropriate materials. And so, if a parent wants their kid to have those age-appropriate materials, they can certainly get them for them. I don't think that a librarian is the end-all, be-all decision maker in the state of Illinois on what books should be given to a child."
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