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intellectual freedom

'You could ban our books, but you can’t ban the story': Authors speak out at Rep. Pressley event on book bans

“We have to fight for our freedom to read,” Pressley told the audience.

New Jersey just banned book bans with Freedom to Read Act

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law the Freedom to Read Act, which prohibits public institutions from removing books based on the "origin, background, or views of the material or of its authors."

Pennsylvania Library Director Resigns After Board Removes Issues of 'Out,' the LGBTQ+ Magazine

Justin Brown quit working for the Northern Cambria Public Library following a heated debate with the library board over the unilateral removal of Out, sparking discussions on censorship and representation in public libraries.

Kansas Senate minority leader on recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation: ‘It’s just filled with hate’

Two bills with ramifications for the state’s queer community have been sent to the governor for a signature.

Utah Library Stirs Controversy by Ending LGBTQ Book Promotions

Library workers in Washington County were told not to wear buttons promoting LGBTQ books and to take down Pride Month displays.

LGBTQ Books Most Challenged in Libraries

The American Library Association's annual report finds a rise in coordinated efforts against books with affirming LGBTQ themes and characters.

How Book Bans Are Taking a Toll on Many Authors

More than 3,000 books were banned in the 2022-2023 school year, according to PEN America.

These are the most challenged library books in America — yes, most are LGBTQ+

Gender Queer, All Boys Aren't Blue, and This Book Is Gay lead the American Library Association's list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023.

Book ban attempts surge to record highs in 2023

The number of titles targeted rose 65 percent over 2022, according to the American Library Association.

Ayanna Pressley Denounces GOP for Trying to Gut LGBTQ+ Housing Funds

The congresswoman from Massachusetts criticized the exclusion of funding that was meant to go toward an LGBTQ+ affordable housing project, slamming the decision as a blow to LGBTQ+ senior housing rights.

How to Fight Book Bans, According to the American Library Association's Queer President

“We need all hands on deck in this moment, and there’s something everyone can do,” Emily Drabinski says.

At Least 50 Groups in the U.S. Advocated Banning Books This Year

They range from local Facebook or online groups to more established conservative organizations, and they often targeted LGBTQ-themed books.

Texas Judge Orders LGBTQ+ Books Be Returned to Public Libraries

The order also returns books on race that were also removed.

Tatiana Maslany and the Enduring Sisterhood of 'Orphan Black'

The sci-fi series that has its star playing nearly a dozen clones ends this weekend, but its feminism lives on. 

Librarians in Missouri Could Face Jail Over Sexually Explicit Books

The Missouri Library Association argued the law violates educational and intellectual freedom. 

Gay Penguin Tale Tops List of 'Challenged' Books

A children's story about a family of penguins with two fathers once again tops the list of library books the public objects to the most. And Tango Makes Three, released in 2005 and co-written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, was the most ''challenged'' book in public schools and libraries for the second straight year, according to the American Library Association. ''The complaints are that young children will believe that homosexuality is a lifestyle that is acceptable. The people complaining, of course, don't agree with that,'' Judith Krug, director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Ayanna Pressley Introduces Bill to Counter Book Bans Nationwide

In a bold response to the surge of book bans across the U.S., Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley is championing legislation to protect diverse literature in schools and libraries.

There have already been 4,000 instances of book banning in America this school year: report

PEN America’s latest findings shed light on the targeted censorship of content related to race, sexuality, and violence, sparking advocacy and resistance across the nation.

America's Most Banned Book, George, Is About a Trans Girl

The majority of the "most challenged books" have LGBTQ content, notes a report from the American Library Association.

Children’s Book Added to Book Ban List Because Author’s Last Name Is ‘Gay’

The library’s executive director confirmed the book was listed because of the word “gay.”