Oregon Fights to Keep LGBTQ+, Race, and Disability Books in Libraries Despite Conservative Censorship Efforts

Oregon remains one step ahead of many states in its refusal to bow to conservative pressure to remove books from libraries containing themes of sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, and disability.

Republicans Restricting Access to Topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

While Republican-led states across the country move to restrict access to books and stifle conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, Oregon Democrats are charting a different course — working to ensure that books by so-called controversial authors remain on library shelves and within easy reach of readers.

On Wednesday, the House Education Committee listened to comments from 15 members of the public, most of whom supported Senate Bill l098 which prohibits library districts and schools from removing reading matter surrounding topics such as LGBTQ+, religion, and disability in terms of Oregon’s anti-discrimination law in public education.

This is the second time a Senate Bill has been presented to lawmakers – a similar bill passed the Senate last year with a 17-12 vote but stalled when the five-week 2024 legislative session ended.

This year, the bill was passed on party-line with an 18-10 vote after three Republicans raised objections to the proposal.

The House Education Committee will decide if the bill should be advanced during a work session that needs a full House vote before going to Oregon Governor, Tina Kotek, for a final decision.

Kotek will have three options – she can veto the bill, allow it to become legal without her signature, or sign the bill into legislation.