Illinois becomes first state to outlaw book bans in schools and libraries.

Illinois has become the first state in the US to outlaw book bans, with a new law that will penalize public libraries that restrict or ban materials due to "partisan or doctrinal" disapproval. Libraries that do so will be ineligible for state funding from January 1, 2024. To be eligible for state funds, Illinois public libraries must adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights or subscribe to a similar pledge. The move comes as states across the US push to remove certain books in schools and libraries, especially those about LGBTQ+ themes and by people of color.