The Handmaid's Tale is banned primarily due to its portrayal of sexual violence, critique of religion's role in politics, and its reflection on controversial contemporary issues such as women's rights, abortion, and LGBTQ+ themes. The book depicts a dystopian society where women are severely oppressed and used as reproductive vessels, which includes disturbing scenes and explicit content that many consider inappropriate or too mature for younger readers. Its political and religious critique, including anti- Christian sentiment accusations, has also led to censorship, especially in conservative regions or where school boards have responded to parental complaints. The book is banned or challenged in several U.S. states, including Texas, Florida, and Oregon, and internationally in countries like Portugal, Spain, and Iran, citing reasons such as sexual content, profanity, anti- Christian sentiment, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Margaret Atwood, the author, has highlighted that the bans often stem from reactions to the book's challenging portrayal of power, gender, and societal control, rather than its actual content being excessively explicit. She argues that the book is less sexually explicit than some religious texts it is accused of opposing and that banning it constitutes a form of totalitarianism against free expression.
In 2022 and beyond, the book has been removed from various school curricula and libraries due to these concerns, especially in the context of heated debates about feminism, human sexuality, and political ideologies.
