ABFE Decries Statewide Censorship of LGBTQIA2S+ Books in Alabama and Tennessee
In the past week, American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE) has joined local and national advocates in demanding due process for LGBTQIA2S+ books after recent actions by state government entities in Alabama and Tennessee, have targeted books including so-called “gender ideology” — a catch-all term often used to target transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people.
You can find both letters on BookWeb. If you would like to get involved in the pushback, please email [email protected].
Save the Date: December 8 Rally for the Right to Read! (NYC & Albany)
On Monday, December 8, at 3:30 pm ET, two read-in rallies will occur to ask New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Freedom to Read Act, S1099, into law.
The Freedom to Read Act is lightweight, commonsense legislation designed to make sure school librarians can do their jobs without undue interference or harassment. It has passed both chambers and awaits the governor’s request to have the bill sent to her desk for signature.
Both events will include readings and speeches from authors, library professionals, and advocacy groups about this essential legislation and what you can do to help.
- NYC Read-In: Union Square, at the courtyard on the north side of the park, New York, NY
- Albany Read-In: NYS Capitol War Room, Albany, NY
Massachusetts: Support Freedom to Read Legislation in Your Store
ABA is working closely with advocates in Massachusetts to support robust freedom to read legislation, and you can help. With the bill having passed the Senate, it’s time to turn to the House.
- Postcard Drive: Mass Freedom to Read, a grassroots coalition against book censorship, has created postcards your customers can use to easily write their representatives. If we haven’t been in touch about postcards and you would like them, or if you want updated postcards, please contact [email protected].
- Host Your Representative: Do you have an event in January or February related to inclusive books, democracy, or censorship? Would you like to make it an opportunity to support anti-censorship legislation? We can help you invite your state representative to the event to learn how much your community cares about defending books from censorship. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more.