Retrieved from īritannica's (2020, April 21). Retrieved from Īmerican Library Association: Banned and Challenged Books (2019) Top 10 Most Challenged Books List. However, in our modern age, sexual health is part of our overall health, and personal beliefs should not inhibit people's access to learning.Īlison McDonald.

Learning about sexual health and personal identity is often thought of as being 'lewd' or 'immoral', especially within groups of people who believe that being gay is sinful or that a woman shouldn't traditionally have sexual interests.

In 2019, eight out of ten 'banned books' had LGBTQ+ content, and three were sexually explicit.' Parents have a right to monitor what their children are reading, but monitoring to dictate a viewpoint or opinion is a form of censorship. Additionally, some promoters of banning books believe that the 'Harry Potter' series should be banned because it 'promotes witchcraft' in children. 'The Handmaid's Tale' for example, has been advocated to be banned because of the amount of violence and sexual assault included. The genre of LGBTQ+ content is always included on this lists, with parents who think that reading such content is bad for their children, or not appropriate. 'By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.' Every September, they host 'Banned Book Week', which features titles of books available for people to read which are hotly debated. We compile lists of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools.' the ALA is officially against the practice of banning books, say that it violate's people freedoms to read and learn. The basis for wanting to ban these books stems from parent's concerns about the topics or ideas spread through books that they don't feel is appropriate for their children.Īccording to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, they 'receive reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. 'Banned Books' are books that parents try to advocate for schools to 'ban' from curriculum and school libraries.

GLBTQ by Kelly Huegel