The amendment, proposed by former mayor and current councillor Steve Christou, aimed to take "immediate action" to remove such materials from the council's library service. Christou argued that the move was necessary for the "protection and safety" of children, stating that toddlers shouldn't be exposed to same-sex content. He emphasized the council's duty to respect the religious and family-oriented values of the community it serves.
During the council meeting, Christou presented a book titled "Same-Sex Parents" by Holly Duhig, which he claimed had received "disturbing" complaints from constituents. The book, originally published in the UK, explores the experience of having two mothers or two fathers and features a same-sex couple and their child on the cover.
The motion received support from six councillors, while five voted against it, with four councillors not present to vote. Christou reiterated that the motion was not targeting the LGBTQ+ community specifically but was aimed at any books perceived to promote "sexualization."
However, the decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including local politicians and advocacy groups. Auburn MP Lynda Voltz expressed concern over the potential breach of anti-discrimination laws and urged the New South Wales arts minister, John Graham, to intervene. Voltz highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the welcoming nature of communities like Auburn.
Minister John Graham condemned the council's decision, likening it to censorship and warning that it could impact the library's funding. He emphasized the importance of readers having the freedom to choose their reading material without interference from local authorities.
Cumberland City Mayor Lisa Lake opposed the motion, expressing disappointment with the outcome. Lake emphasized the council's efforts to promote inclusion and diversity, stating that as long as families are loving, they should be respected and represented in the community.
Councillor Diane Colman echoed Lake's sentiments, stating that it was not the council's role to police access to books and that bans like these undermine the principle of inclusivity. Colman emphasized the importance of public libraries providing equitable access to information for all individuals.
In response to the backlash, Cumberland City Council announced that it would review its library collection to determine which titles might need to be considered for removal. A council spokesperson reiterated that everyone is welcome in their local government area and libraries, regardless of the materials available in the collection.
Equality Australia's legal director Ghassan Kassisieh criticized the decision, arguing that providing children of same-sex couples with books that reflect their families' lives is essential for ensuring inclusivity in public libraries. Kassisieh emphasized the need to celebrate diversity and modern family life in Australia.
Rainbow Families, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ families, expressed disappointment with the decision and has taken steps to challenge the ban. Executive officer Ashley Scott highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of families in Australia and called for action to address discrimination and hate speech.
The controversy surrounding Cumberland City Council's decision underscores broader debates about censorship, inclusivity, and the role of public libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives. As the issue continues to garner attention, it remains to be seen how the council and community will respond to calls for greater inclusivity and respect for diverse families.