Same-sex parenting book banned in Sydney libraries to ensure ‘safety of children’

In a voting session held in Sydney's Cumberland Council, it was decided that a same-sex parenting book would be banned from its libraries. Cumberland Council includes the western Sydney suburbs of Merrylands, Granvilleand Auburn.

The amendment was tabled by former mayor and current councillor Steve Christou in which it was proposed "that council take immediate action to rid same-sex parents books/materials in council's library service". Interestingly,Christou had not read the book on which the debate was being carried out.

In the council's meeting, Christou brandished the book which he claimed received “really disturbing” constituent complaints and said that parents were “distraught” to see the book.

The book in contention was Same-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig which was kept on the shelf in the children’s section of the library. According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, the motion was passed as six councillors voted in favour of the amendment and five voted against it.

A picture of thebook was held up byChristouas he claimed that the book sparked multiple complaints from his constituents.

On the book's cover, a gay male couple and their young son were featured.

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“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,” said Christou, during the debate.

“Our kids shouldn’t be sexualised. This community isa very religious community, a very family-orientated community," he added,

“They don’t want such controversial issuesgoingagainst their beliefs indoctrinated in their libraries.Thisis not Marrickville or Newtown, this is the Cumberland city council," Christou said.

Christou further stated that toddlers shouldn’t be “exposed” to same-sex content and added that the proposed amendment was “for the protection and safety of our children”. “Hands off our kids,” he said.

Auburn MP Lynda Voltz raised concern over the resolution and appealed to NSW Arts Minister John Graham to look into the issue.

“I am greatly concerned at the decision of Cumberland council and believe that it maypossiblyrisk breaching the guidelines for funding of libraries and may also be in breach of the Anti-Discrimination Act,” Voltzsaid.

“The overwhelming majority of the people in Auburn will tell you that everyone is welcome and we pride ourselves on being a peaceful and friendly community," the MP stated.

Minister holds council responsible for censorship

The council was accused by Graham of engaging in censorship.

“When civilisations turn to burning books or banning books it is a very bad sign. That is equally true for local councils,” the minister said.

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“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," he added.

He stated that the decision could impact the abilityof the library to receive funding from the government.

Mayor Lisa Lake opposed the motion and stated she was “appalled and saddened” by the result. Lake claimed that the book had been kept in the library since 2019 and its presence was “nothing new”.

(With inputs from agencies)