Fight for the Right to Read
The House recently introduced a new federal censorship bill that would give the government the power to prevent public schools from carrying books that contain “sexually oriented material.”
What exactly does “sexually oriented” mean? Definitions in the bill range from confounding (“lewd or lascivious dancing”), to vague (“simulation of sexually explicit conduct”), to blatantly ideological (“involves gender dysphoria or transgenderism”).
It’s very clear that this is an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, but it remains broad enough to empower the government to further silence and marginalize other populations.
No American, regardless of political affiliation, should support federal-level censorship.
For 10591 locals, you can contact Rep. Mike Lawler directly here. (You’ll need to look up your ZIP+4 first). If you need guidance on what to say, check out this helpful template from 5calls.org.
If you don’t know who your Representative is, click here to search, then tell them you oppose this and all attempts at government-led censorship.
Afterwards, please forward this message to friends and consider writing your Rep in support of HR 6440, The Right to Read Act.
Here’s what I personally sent to Congressman Mike Lawler
I'm writing in opposition to H.R. 7661, a bill that erodes our freedom of speech and gives the federal government the power to marginalize American citizens by mandate.
This bill does not protect or empower Americans; it discriminates against already marginalized communities and stokes fear and division in our communities. New York is better than this—America is better than this—and as my representative I expect you to vehemently oppose this bill in defense of ALL of your constituents.
Instead, I urge you to support H.R. 6440, the Right to Read Act, to fund education, increase literacy, and defend our Constitutional right to the freedom of speech.
Do the right thing, Congressman. Let these decisions by made by your local communities, not Washington.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
