A local western Sydney council passed an amendment to ban same-sex parent books or materials within their libraries in a meeting on May 1, 2024.
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00:00 It's not the first time parents have complained to me about a similar book.
00:05 A while back, and I was given assurances that these books will not find their way back on the shelves.
00:12 However, a same-sex parents book was on the shelf.
00:16 We hope to implement a policy that these kind of books, same-sex parents books, do not find their way into our kids.
00:23 Our kids shouldn't be sexualised. It's that simple.
00:26 What will a 2, 3, 4 year old know about that? A parent is a parent.
00:31 Why do we have to ingrain it?
00:34 This community is a very religious community. It is a very family-orientated community.
00:40 Regardless of what their religion, whether they are Catholic, Orthodox, Islamic, Hindu, whatever their background,
00:49 they all have the same beliefs. Family, religious values and conservative.
00:54 They don't want such controversial issues going against their beliefs indoctrinated into their libraries.
01:01 This is not Marrickville or Newtown. This is Cumberland City Council.
01:05 And we need to respect the wishes of our residents.
01:08 Our community don't want this. I never want these on our library shelves.
01:12 And I hope we can respect the wishes of our community and protect our kids who shouldn't be exposed to sexualised behaviour through same-sex parents book.
01:20 Parents are free to choose which books their children can read.
01:26 And that's the way it should be.
01:29 The whole library strategy is providing free access to meet the needs for information, education and connection for the Cumberland community.
01:39 This means catering for all kinds of families in our diverse community.
01:44 Because here in the suburbs, we're all about family.
01:48 And it's important that our children know that their family is accepted.
01:53 All those in favour of Councillor Christou's amendment, please raise your hand.
01:59 Councillor Hussain, Councillor Cummings, Councillor Zaiter, Councillor Hughes, Councillor Garrard and Councillor Christou.
02:06 All those opposed to Councillor Garrard's amendment, please raise your hand.
02:14 That carries.
02:20 [BLANK_AUDIO]