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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: (Click for the PDF version)September 30, 2024 Kerry Jacob, 310-806-0893California Governor signs Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's CaliforniaFreedom to Read ActBill will fight book bans at public librariesTorrance, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s(D-Torrance), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, Assembly Bill 1825, the CaliforniaFreedom to Read Act. The bill prohibits public libraries from banning books or other materialsbecause of the topics, views, ideas, or opinions contained in them or in a manner thatdiscriminates based on race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability,political affiliation, or socioeconomic status. The bill will also require public libraries to developa collection development policy, which includes how the public can challenge library materials."I am thankful to Governor Newsom for passing my AB 1825, the California Freedom to ReadAct. In California, we know that our freedom to read is a cornerstone of our democracy,” saidAssemblymember Al Muratsuchi. “Unfortunately, there is a growing movement to ban booksnationwide, and this bill will ensure that Californians have access to books that offer diverseperspectives. Those diverse perspectives include books containing the voices and livedexperiences of LGBTQ and communities of color."“Learning and engaging with diverse ideas is foundational to any healthy democracy. The recentcall by some to limit access to books does more than suppress the subject matter – it alsodisregards the lived experiences and identities of authors and readers. We are pleased that thefundamental First Amendment right of access to diverse and inclusive information at our publiclibraries will be further protected across the state.” Cynthia Valencia, Legislative Advocate,American Civil Liberties Union California Action.“The California Library Association applauds Governor Newsom for signing AB 1825 and forhis long-standing defense of the Freedom to Read,” said Shawn Thrasher, President of theCalifornia Library Association. “‘Banned Books Week’ seems like such an appropriate time tocelebrate this signing, as the event highlights the positive role of public libraries as a trustedmarketplace of ideas and information. CLA also thanks Assemblymember Muratsuchi for hisleadership on this important bill to protect intellectual freedom.”“Governor Newsom's signing of AB 1825 is a major victory in the fight against growing effortsto censor LGBTQ+ voices and experiences in California and across the country,” said EqualityCalifornia Executive Director Tony Hoang. “We are grateful to Assemblymember Muratsushifor championing this crucial legislation to protect Californians’ freedom to access books in ourpublic libraries that reflect our state’s rich diversity and give LGBTQ+ people the ability to seetheir own stories and communities reflected in the books they read. We celebrate this importantwin for intellectual freedom and will continue to push back against efforts to restrict access toLGBTQ+ stories, histories, and experiences.”According to the American Library Association (ALA), the number of reported book challengesin the United States increased 65 percent from 2022 to 2023, reaching the highest leveldocumented by the ALA. Pressure groups in 2023 focused on public libraries as well as schoollibraries. The number of book titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92percent over the previous year, while school libraries saw an 11 percent increase over 2022numbers. Book titles containing subject matter on LGBTQ and communities of color made up 47percent of those targeted in censorship attempts. In California, in communities such as the Cityof Huntington Beach and Fresno County, there were 52 challenges to 98 book titles in publiclibraries and school libraries in 2023, compared to 32 attempts to ban 87 titles in 2022.Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi represents California's 66th Assembly District, which includesEl Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Palos VerdesEstates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedroand Torrance. Muratsuchi is Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, Chair of the AssemblySelect Committee on Aerospace, and a member of the Committees on Budget, BudgetSubcommittee on Education, Higher Education, Natural Resources, and the Joint LegislativeCommittee on Climate Change Policies.# # #