A Sydney council has voted to ban same-sex parenting books from local libraries, sparking discrimination and censorshipconcerns.
The decision has drawn criticism from the New South Wales government as well as several advocacy groups which argue that libraries should be inclusive spaces.
The Cumberland city council in western Sydney convened last week to discuss a new plan for its eight libraries. Councillor Steve Christou, a former mayor of the town, introduced an amendment urging the council to swiftly remove same-sex parenting books and materials from its library services.
He reportedly cited public complaints about the books to push for their removal. Mr Christou also displayed a book titledSame-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig and claimed that it had distressed parents due to its placement in the children’s section of the library.
The council’s decision, which reportedly could impact its funding, has prompted discussions about representing diverse families in library collections.
