Washington, DC – Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, is set to make history tomorrow as he testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on a groundbreaking issue: book bans and their impact on liberty and literature.
This pivotal moment in the fight against censorship will unfold in the Hart Senate Office Building at 10 A.M. Eastern (9 A.M. Central) on Tuesday.
Giannoulias, a staunch advocate for free speech, initiated Bill 2789, the first-of-its-kind legislation that takes a proactive stance against book bans. This landmark bill, known as Public Act 103-100, became law on June 12, 2023. Under this act, Giannoulias’ office now has the power to grant funding to libraries that adhere to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, ensuring that reading materials remain unburdened by partisan or personal disapproval.
What sets Public Act 103-100 apart is its strong stance on book bans. Libraries that do not align with this law’s principles risk losing state grants in Illinois. This monumental step aims to safeguard First Amendment Rights while fostering a vibrant culture of diverse literature.
Giannoulias’ commitment to ending book bans extends beyond Illinois. His office has launched the “banbookbans.com” website, a platform where individuals can share their experiences and access resources to protect their state’s right to read.
The hearing will be livestreamed on Blue Room Stream, the Committee website, and on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook, ensuring that the entire nation can bear witness to this critical discussion.