When a western Sydney council decided this month to ban same-sex education books from its libraries, the decision quickly became a story that was better read than some well-thumbed library books. It rapidly developed into a matter of national debate around censorship and discrimination, with state ministers jumping in to declare their opposition.
But on Wednesday evening, there is an opportunity to rewrite the ending to this shameful story, which has placed Cumberland Council under a level of scrutiny it could never have envisaged.
As indicated in the minutes of what was to have been a fairly routine council meeting on May 1, item C05/24-506 was a motion supported by two councillors for the “Adoption of Library Strategy 2024-2027”. There were 12 councillors in attendance.
Councillor Steve Christou says he has not read the book he wants to ban from council libraries.
But then came an unexpected amendment from two independent councillors, Steve Christou and Paul Garrard, agreeing to the motion, but subject to the following: “That council take immediate action to rid same-sex parents books/materials in council’s library service.“
Christou held up a copy of Same-Sex Parents and, now famously, declared: “This is not Marrickville or Newtown. This is Cumberland City Council, and we need to respect the wishes of our residents.” The amendment was carried six to five. Christou admitted afterwards during a media storm that he had not even read the book.
Both Premier Chris Minns and Arts Minister John Graham spoke out against the decision. Graham pointed out the resolution contravened the Library Council of NSW Guideline on Freedom of Access to Information. He also had a timely reminder for council that the value of its annual subsidy stands at $743,130. That’s a lot of new library books.
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Now, there is a new motion supported by four councillors to alter or rescind the original decision. Among them is Sabrin Farooqui, “a passionate advocate for human rights, social justice and cultural diversity”. She was overseas at the time of the previous vote. “I have focused on education all my life and cannot support this ban,” she says. “Hopefully, we can reverse it on Wednesday.”
Also pushing for the motion to be rescinded is Diane Colman, a university lecturer “passionate about ensuring equality for all Cumberland residents” who spoke against the original motion. She says council’s motto is “Welcome, Belong, Succeed” and that the original motion has damaged council. “We are one of the most multicultural council areas in Australia,” she said.
Source Agencies
