Baltimore - The Maryland Library Association strongly opposes H.R. 7661, which would allow the federal government to ban books and regulate the right to read.

If passed, this bill - also known as the "Stop the Sexualization of Children Act" - would modify the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by prohibiting use of funds under the act “to develop, implement, facilitate, host, or promote any program or activity for, or to provide or promote literature or other materials to, children under the age of 18 that includes sexually oriented material, and for other purposes.”

This bill would take responsibility and choice away from engaged parents and experienced educators and place it in the hands of politicians. As American Library Association President Sam Helmick states in response to the bill, “Parents, not politicians, should guide their children’s reading.” MLA supports the First Amendment rights and true parental choice for parents/guardians to be involved in what their children are reading.

Congress should do what Maryland has already done - ensure the freedom to read for every individual. 

MLA urges those concerned about this bill, and who support the freedom to read without interference from politicians, to call their members of Congress at the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask them to oppose H.R. 7661.

For more information on supporting libraries in Maryland, please visit our new website: supportmdlibraries.org.

Contact:
Joshua Stone, MLIS, CAE
Maryland Library Association
Executive Director
mlaexec@mdlib.org
410-947-5090