While the bill allows parents, students, and guardians to challenge book removals in state court, it does not allow creators and authors to do so. In its current form, the bill leaves authors unprotected from being discriminated against due to their identity.
I used to think that getting involved with legislative work would inspire me and give me a sense of community. I have a sense of community now: with authors. Because we understand that nobody else gives a shit about us. That inspiration though is hard to find. I'm mostly feeling anger these days.
I'm posting here as myself, an author who has had 6 of my 7 books banned in at least 20 states. It's only a matter of time before someone in MA decides to follow the example of SC, FL, or TX and ban my books here, too. The only thing that can stop that is a good freedom to read bill. This isn't it.
Thanks to the prodigious efforts of @massaabb.bsky.social @aclum.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social and the support of key senators there are now SEVERAL amendments that protect authors and strengthen the bill. MA folks please contact your senators: www.massfreedomtoread.org/news/cta-sup...