Ayanna Pressley introduces “Books Save Lives Act” to fight anti-LGBTQ+ book bans

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (R-MA)
Photo: Ayanna Pressley

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) has introduced the “Books Save Lives Act” to fight the national wave of book bans targeting books on racial and LGBTQ+ issues in public schools and libraries.

The bill would require all federally funded public and school libraries to maintain a diverse collection of books and would classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights laws. It would also require primary and secondary schools to hire a trained librarian and direct the Government Accountability Office to report on the effect of book bans on underrepresented communities, Pressley explained in a press release.

“Books are essential to the development of our minds, creating a safe space for people to learn about themselves and the world. People of all ages, especially our children, should feel at home in their public libraries by having access to books that reflect the diversity of lived experiences,” Pressley wrote.

“Rather than honor the brilliance and diversity of our authors, illustrators, and librarians, Republicans are focused on further marginalizing people who…

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