SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit libraries from banning books or other material because of partisan or doctrinal pressure, prompting strong opposition from Republicans who called it an assault on local control.
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," the bill's lead sponsor Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Naperville, 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, R-Barrington Hills."... These people volunteer as nonpartisan elected local officials, and for the state to tell a local library board, 'listen to the professionals; follow the professionals' -- I don't understand why we have local elections anymore if a bill like this passes."
Stava-Murray, however, rejected those arguments, saying the bill would only add another condition onto the rules to qualify for grants administered by the secretary of state. Last year, the office awarded more than 1,600 grants totaling more than $62 million, including a $4,300 grant to Downers Grove Community High School District 99.
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