New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed the bill into law on Monday. To ban public libraries and school libraries to ban books in the state
The legislation would also protect law-abiding librarians from civil and criminal charges. Related news agencies–
This makes New Jersey the latest state to enact a book ban. in cooperation with other states led by Democrats Including Illinois and Minnesota
Murphy signed the bill at the Princeton Public Library. which is located near Princeton University The legislation comes in response to Republican-backed states seeking to remove books in recent years from school curricula and school libraries that they deem inappropriate for young children, for example. Books with sexually explicit content or that focus on LGBTQ+ or critical race theory.
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy at the Princeton Public Library on Monday, December 1, on September 9, 2024, signed legislation aimed at prohibiting public libraries and schools from banning books. (AP)
“It is the opposite of a state that has banned these books, as you can see,” the governor said. “I am extremely proud to sign. But it also acknowledges that America — and this is another good example — is becoming a patchwork nation. It’s really important. Where do you live?”
Under the law, public and school libraries cannot exclude books because of the origin, background, or views of the content or author. Libraries would be prohibited from censoring books simply because an individual finds them objectionable.
The bill allows for book restrictions in cases where “Content not developmentally appropriate” for certain age groups The law also requires local school boards and public library regulatory agencies to establish policies for the curation of books and the removal of library content. Including how to handle concerns about certain books.
Lawmakers in more than 15 states have introduced bills this year that would impose harsh penalties on libraries or librarians.
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivers a speech at the Princeton Public Library. Before signing legislation aimed at banning schools and public libraries from banning books in the state on Monday, Dec. 1, Nov. 9, 2024 (AP)
Parents and conservative activists argued that the book was too sexually explicit or inappropriate. Especially for young children National groups such as Moms for Liberty have said parents should have more say in deciding what books to have for their children.
Librarians praise New Jersey’s enactment, according to Karen Grant, president of the New Jersey School Librarians Association. It said the bill recognizes the professionalism of librarians and promotes libraries as a resource.
“This bill will protect students’ intellectual freedom. It is also acknowledged that the school library is a center for voluntary inquiries. It promotes student growth and development,” Grant said.
Retired librarian Martha Hickson spoke with the governor on Monday. Her book collection was first suggested by parents about how it contained pedophilia and pornography during a school board meeting in 2021. She watched the live stream in shock as they objected to the novel’s release. The story “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison, which contains graphic descriptions of sex between a man and a child. and the illustrated memoir “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe.
Retired librarian Martha Hickson speaks at the Princeton Public Library on Monday, December 1, September 9, 2024, as Governor Phil Murphy prepares to sign a bill banning books in schools and public libraries. (AP)
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Hixon, who said her parents advised her she should be criminally liable for selling the book Said on Monday that It’s time to celebrate after three years of abuse.
“I am thrilled,” she said. “After more than three years of harassment, this legislation provides relief for readers and librarians.”
The law is set to take effect within one year. Although the State Board of Education and the State Librarian may initiate action to enforce such laws.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
