MPs and Government react as Sydney council bans same-sex parenting books from libraries over safety concerns
A Sydney council has landed in hot water after voting to ban same-sex parenting books from local libraries.
In a controversial move, Cumberland City Council in Sydney’s western suburbs has voted to ban same-sex parenting books from its local libraries, citing concerns over the “safety of our children.”
The amendment, proposed by former mayor and current councillor Steve Christou, aimed to remove all same-sex parenting books and materials from the council’s eight libraries.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.During the council meeting, Christou expressed concerns over what he described as “disturbing” constituent complaints regarding the presence of such books, particularly one titled “Same-Sex Parents” by Holly Duhig, in the children’s section of the library.
“We’re going to make it clear tonight that … these kind of books, same-sex parents books, don’t find their way to our kids,” Christou said during the debate. “Our kids shouldn’t be sexualised.”
“Hands off our kids,” he emphasized, asserting that toddlers shouldn’t be “exposed” to same-sex content.
The decision has sparked outrage from MPs, government officials and community who condemned the move.
Taking to X on Wednesday, Member for Wentworth Allegra Spender the move was “a shameful attempt to erase the experience of LGBTQ Australians.
“It’s absolutely appalling that a NSW council is banning books because they feature same-sex couples,” Spender tweeted.
“We should be celebrating the diversity of our country, not censoring it.”
NSW Arts Minister John Graham accused the council of censorship, warning that such actions could jeopardise the library’s funding.
“When civilisations turn to burning books or banning books it is a very bad sign. That is equally true for local councils,” Graham told The Guardian.
“It is up to readers to choose which book to take off the shelf. It should not be up to local councillors to make that choice for them or engage in censorship.”
Auburn MP Lynda Voltz has voiced concern, suggesting that the move could violate anti-discrimination laws and the guidelines for library funding.
Cumberland City Council have been approached for comment.
