Something we should always consider when a thread like this gets started is the larger picture. The ALA maintains statistics on banned books. Here's a graph I think most relevant to this thread:
Ironically, the threads about banning books that I've seen really gain traction are those accusing religious groups of said banning. Seldom do we discuss the #1, #2, #3 and #4 reasons for banning books. From the original article, #1, #2, #3 and #4 are actually the reasons cited for the banning we're discussing, but the primary blame has been erroneously placed on "religion."
Religion ranks extremely low, but takes up the majority of "bandwidth." It illustrates that it's a hot-button issue more than an
actual issue.
Another thing worth noting. We all have "major belief systems" (I don't have a good general term, sorry) -- things we're offended by, or think are socially imperative -- be we agnostic, atheistic, Christian, Jewish, racist, anti-racist, offended by language, etc. No matter your belief system, you can be assured of two things:
1) Someone
sharing your belief system has successfully requested a book banning in the name of that belief system.
2) Someone
opposed to your belief system has successfully requested a book banning because a book espoused your belief system.
-Pie