June 13, 2023 – Illinois has become the first state in the nation to outlaw book bans.
Governor JB Pritzker signed the legislation this week in response to a nationwide rise in efforts to censor and target literature, libraries, and books that predominantly consist of stories by and about people of Color and the LGBTQ+ community.
“Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it,” said Governor JB Pritzker “Young people shouldn’t be kept from learning about the realities of our world; I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read, the art they see, the history they learn. In Illinois, we are showing the nation what it really looks like to stand up for liberty.”
The legislation protects the freedom of libraries to acquire materials without external limitations. Prior to this, Illinois law did not provide such protections and according to Chicago-based American Library Association (ALA), there were 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022. Just this past year, PEN American reported 1,477 instances of books being banned nationwide during the first half of the 2022-23 school year, affecting 874 individual titles.
The legislation also tasks the Illinois State Librarian and the Illinois State Library with adopting the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, statewide. This bill of rights indicates that reading materials should not be proscribed, removed, or restricted because of partisan or personal disproval. Illinois libraries would only be eligible for state-funded grants if they adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
“I initiated this legislation to stand up and fight for libraries, librarians, and the freedom of speech – especially at this perilous time for our democracy,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. “The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for. It also defies what education is all about: teaching our children to think for themselves. This landmark legislation is a triumph for our democracy, a win for First Amendment Rights, and a great victory for future generations.”
“There are few perils to our democracy as dangerous as book bans. They threaten the very freedom of thought and speech that underpin our republic,” said Dan Montgomery, President, Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT). “That’s why the IFT supports this bill and thanks Governor Pritzker for signing it, Secretary of State Giannoulias for advancing it, and all the legislators who passed it. At a time when some other states are fanning the flames of racism and anti-LGBTQ+ fear, we’re proud that Illinois has once again taken a stand for what is right.”
Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy, Mike Ziri said this legislation is important as the two most challenged books in 2022 were works focused on LGBTQ+ identity
“As we contemplate the positive impact of this new law, we appreciate the grassroots leadership of librarians, trustees, families, and LGBTQ+ youth who are resisting book bans and ensuring that all families, including LGBTQ+ people, are represented in the collections accessible at libraries.”
Not everyone is a fan of the law. Congresswoman Mary Miller issued a statement calling it a sad day for parents in Illinois.
“Governor Pritzker signed a bill forcing libraries to display pornographic books in order to receive state funding, including the book “Gender Queer,” which features explicit images of sexual actions that are inappropriate for children. Parents, you must speak up if you oppose the left’s agenda to force these graphic sexual materials into your child’s library.”
The new law will take effect January 1, 2024.
