Cumberland Council

2024 - 5 - 8

Controversy Erupts as Western Sydney Council Bans Same-Sex Parenting Books

Cumberland City Council Cumberland City Council - library censorship - NSW government - same-sex parenting books - Western Sydney

Western Sydney in a frenzy over council's decision to ban same-sex parenting books from libraries. Outrage meets threat of funding withdrawal.

In a heated meeting, a slim majority of Cumberland City councillors voted to ban books referencing same-sex parenting from libraries in Western Sydney. This move has sparked outrage and debate within the community and raised concerns about censorship and discrimination. The NSW government has retaliated by threatening to withhold funding from the council, escalating the situation even further.

The decision by Cumberland City Council to remove books depicting same-sex parents has divided opinions, with critics arguing that it violates the Anti-Discrimination Act. Meanwhile, the council stands by its motion as part of a broader Library Strategy. The ban has led to Western Sydney libraries pulling the controversial books off their shelves, causing a stir among residents and officials.

In response to the ban, local MP has expressed worries about potential legal implications, highlighting the delicate balance between freedom of expression and discrimination laws. On the other hand, the NSW arts minister accuses the council of censorship, adding fuel to the already inflamed situation. The controversy surrounding the ban continues to unfold, with tensions running high in the Western Sydney community.

Interesting Fact: The decision by Cumberland City Council has put it at odds with both local residents and the state government, leading to a standoff over the issue. Additionally, the ban has reignited discussions about the boundaries of freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights in Australia.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

NSW government threatens some Western Sydney libraries' funding ... (ABC News)

A slim majority of Cumberland City councillors voted to remove the book from its libraries in a meeting last week.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Telegraph"

Funding threat over council's ban on same-sex parenting books (Daily Telegraph)

The NSW government is threatening to withhold funding to a Sydney council over its decision to ban books referencing same-sex parenting, in a move Arts ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Sydney council bans same-sex parenting books from libraries for ... (The Guardian)

Local MP is concerned move breaches Anti-Discrimination Act while NSW arts minister accuses council of 'censorship'

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

Western Sydney council investigated over decision to ban same-sex ... (Nine)

Eight libraries across Western Sydney could lose funding after local council members voted to place a blank...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News Australia"

Sydney council bans same sex parenting books in libraries (Sky News Australia)

Cumberland City Council has passed a motion to remove books depicting same-sex parents from the shelves of local libraries as part of its Library Strategy ...

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Cumberland City council bans same-sex parenting books from its ... (Daily Mail)

Cumberland Council, which includes the western Sydney suburbs of Auburn, Granville and Merrylands, made the decision last Wednesday. Former mayor and current ...

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Image courtesy of "7NEWS.com.au"

Western Sydney libraries pull 'same-sex parenting books' after ... (7NEWS.com.au)

Cumberland City Council passed the ban with a slim majority after the resolution was introduced by former mayor, Councillor Steve Christou, who said “distraught ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Council ban's same-sex parenting books (NEWS.com.au)

Western Sydney's Cumberland City Council is at risk of breaking the Anti-Discrimination Act after voting to ban same-sex parenting books in its libraries.

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Image courtesy of "Bendigo Advertiser"

Cumberland Council ban on same-sex parenting books sparks outcry (Bendigo Advertiser)

Controversy erupts as eight Sydney libraries ban books featuring same-sex parents after Cumberland City Council amendment.

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Image courtesy of "SBS"

'Rainbow families deserve better': Council under scrutiny over same ... (SBS)

The motion was put forward by a councillor who said residents should not have "controversial" concepts "indoctrinated" into libraries.

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Council bans same-sex parenting books (NEWS.com.au)

The Cumberland City council decision to ban same-sex parenting books in its libraries has been branded “pathetic” by a neighbouring mayor.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

What's in the same-sex parenting book banned by Cumberland City ... (ABC News)

A book, which is recommended for children aged five to seven, at the centre of a controversial ban on same-sex parenting literature by a council in Sydney ...

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Image courtesy of "7NEWS.com.au"

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne's brutal sledge after Cumberland ... (7NEWS.com.au)

A Western Sydney council may have funding pulled from its libraries after a controversial bid to remove same-sex parenting books and materials from the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Councillor has not read same-sex parenting book he led charge to ban (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Councillor Steve Christou made the admission as the NSW government intervened, accusing the council of breaking state-enforced library guidelines.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Western Sydney councillor doubles down on same-sex parent book ... (The Guardian)

Steve Christou claims ban has 'overwhelming' community support despite petition opposing the ban gaining almost 10000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Connecting Cumbria celebrates progress on its Digital Infrastructure ... (Cumberland Council)

Digital infrastructure, both fixed line broadband and mobile connectivity, has become increasingly critical for all residents, businesses and visitors in ...

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Image courtesy of "The Conversation UK"

A Sydney council has banned books with same-sex parents from its ... (The Conversation UK)

Cumberland City Council's ban of books depicting same-sex parents from its libraries implies such relationships are unnatural or strange. What's happening?

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Book ban uncovers uncomfortable truths for Labor in Sydney's west (The Sydney Morning Herald)

The decision of a Labor councillor to vote in favour of a motion to ban books about same-sex parenting has created a headache for the ALP in western Sydney.

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