New Update and Call To Action
We are excited to share the news that several senators have filed amendments that, if passed, will significantly strengthen the bill. The Mass Freedom to Read coalition has been working hard to push for three key improvements:
Limiting who can challenge books to those who live in the district served by a public library or have a student in the school: Amendments 1 and 5
Including book creators in those who can challenge a book ban: Amendments 4 and 18
Ensuring that the book must be considered as a whole, rather than a single excerpt: Amendment 6
CALL TO ACTION: Please contact your senator and urge them to strengthen the bill by voting for the improvements in Amendments 1, 4, 5, 6, and 18! This must be done before Wednesday, so the sooner the better!
You can see the full list of amendments here. You will notice there are nineteen in all: many are attempts to weaken the bill, and some are not material either way. Our focus is on passing the ones that will make the bill stronger. You can use the sample script below for a phone call or an email, and change it to explain why this issue is important to you personally.
We are getting closer to the finish line...let's keep going.
Sample Script
To: Your Senator (Find your state senator here)
Dear Senator [NAME],
My name is [NAME] and I live in [LOCATION]. I am [writing/calling] to urge you to support three critical changes to strengthen the bill known as An Act Regarding Free Expression (S.2696) as it comes to a vote on the Senate floor on Thursday. As your constituent and an advocate for free expression, I feel strongly that this bill is vital to the Commonwealth continuing to lead the way in protecting our civil rights. I am asking you to vote in support of:
Limiting who can challenge books to those who live in the district served by a public library or have a student in the school: Amendments 1 and 5
Including book creators in those who can challenge a book ban: Amendments 4 and 18
Ensuring that the book must be considered as a whole, rather than a single excerpt: Amendment 6
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Location (to show your residence)