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MASSACHUSETTS HAS A rare opportunity to strengthen the public’s ability to freely debate ideas, a foundational democratic concept under attack at the local, state, and national levels. Passing “An Act Regarding Free Expression,” currently being debated in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, will limit harmful book bans in the state’s libraries and protect authors and other creators from economic and reputational damage.

If you’re wondering why a religious denomination – the Unitarian Universalist Association – is weighing in on this topic, you should know that as part of our longstanding values and principles, Unitarian Universalists believe all people should have the opportunity to exercise a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. In fact, we believe so strongly in that search, it is a matter of religious faith for us.

The UUA has a longstanding and unique publishing history in Massachusetts, and the theological belief in the exchange of ideas as a way of finding truth and meaning has formed the foundation of what we publish. Our first printing press was established on Boston’s Bromfield Street in 1854. During those early days, we published tracts on abolitionism, transcendentalism, and women’s rights in addition to sermons from Unitarian ministers.

In the 20th century, Beacon Press – one of the UUA’s imprints along with Skinner House Books – published important works of literature, including James Baldwin’s Notes on a Native Son and Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, which challenged racism, xenophobia, and authoritarianism.

In 1971, Beacon Press published The Pentagon Papers, a landmark effort protecting the First Amendment and pushing back against government secrecy and overreach, when no other publisher had the courage to do so. For decades, both imprints have published authors from marginalized communities and books that urge those in positions of privilege to focus on the needs of people harmed by systemic oppression.

In short, we publish the very books often banned in schools and libraries across the country. So we have a stake in making sure the state we call home protects authors, publishers, librarians, and readers.

Between 2022 and 2024, in Massachusetts 46 book titles were either removed or challenged, according to PEN America and the American Library Association data. These include books from celebrated authors like Toni Morrison, Malinda Lo, and Kwame Alexander.

The titles reflect on subjects like what it means to be an Indigenous person in the United States, belong to the LGBTQ+ community, or survive the Nazis during World War II. One book challenged gives voice to young Palestinians and their experience living in occupied territory. More than one book examining gender expression and what it means to be trans or nonbinary was tested. The popular bestselling YA book The Hate You Give is on this list. At the same time, 48 authors or illustrators who live in Massachusetts have had their works either censored or challenged across the country.

This is not just a problem in “red states” like Texas or Florida; it is an issue here in the Commonwealth, too. And it is one we have the opportunity to fix.

The bill currently before the Massachusetts Legislature would not only protect access to books in the state and protect librarians and educators, it will also ensure authors, illustrators, booksellers, and publishers do not suffer economic harm from coordinated efforts to stifle free thinking and expression.

Proposed amendments to the legislation would allow authors themselves to challenge a book ban in the Commonwealth. Additionally, it would require the parent or guardian challenging a book in a school district live in the affected district, thereby preventing outside influences from exerting their agenda on those communities. And it would also compel decision-makers to consider the entirety of a work, not just a cherry-picked passage or sentence, when making their determination.

Most importantly, it would allow school librarians to determine appropriate works based on their expertise, would require the state’s school committees to vote on the removal of material, and would allow students, parents, and guardians to challenge those bans. In other words, it would protect the long-cherished traditions and values both Unitarian Universalists and residents of Massachusetts hold dear – democracy, dissent, and the free exchange of ideas.

For nearly 200 years, the UUA’s publishing history has reflected how sacred our members hold the idea of debate, dissent, and discussion. These are shared values through which we practice our faith. We urge the Legislature to pass this legislation and continue to be the nation’s beacon for democracy and free thought.

Mary Benard is the publishing director of the Unitarian Universalist Association and Skinner House Books. Gayatri Patnaik is the director of Beacon Press.