Sydney Council Faces Backlash Over Banning LGBTQ Family Book

May 8, 2024
Sydney Council Faces Backlash Over Banning LGBTQ Family Book
  • The Cumberland City Council has voted to remove a book about same-sex families from libraries, sparking controversy.

  • Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and Youth Minister Rose Jackson have criticized the move for failing to represent diverse family structures.

  • Arts Minister John Graham cautioned the council about the possibility of losing funding due to the book ban.

  • Councillor Steve Christou, who proposed the ban, acknowledges not reading the book and is known for creating controversy.

  • Councillor Mohamad Hussein supports the ban based on religious grounds, despite opposition.

  • The ban has affected LGBTQ community members and their children, and will be revisited in a council meeting on May 15.

  • The state government has hinted at a funding review for the council, as the ban contravenes library guidelines.

  • The issue has the potential to influence federal Labor seats in the upcoming election, with unrest in western and south-western Sydney.

  • A petition backed by Equality Australia is gaining traction to reverse the council's decision.

Summary based on 6 sources


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Sources

Councillor has not read same-sex parenting book he led charge to ban

Same-sex families don’t just belong in Newtown: they belong everywhere

Ban on same-sex books is morally and legally wrong

The Sydney Morning Herald • May 8, 2024

Ban on same-sex books is morally and legally wrong


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