Illinois becomes the first state to outlaw book bans in historic move

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Photo: Screenshot

Illinois has become the first state to make it illegal for libraries to ban books. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed the landmark bill into law on Monday. It says libraries will lose their funding if they remove books from the shelf based on someone’s personal or partisan disapproval.

“Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it,” said Pritzker in a statement. “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 – H.B. 2789 – was proposed by Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias.

“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,” Giannoulias said. “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.”

The American Library Association (ALA) reported 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022. Under the new law, which takes effect in January, libraries must…

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