In a significant turn of events, Cumberland City Council in Western Sydney has decided to overturn its recent decision to ban same-sex parenting books from its libraries, as reported by the ABC.
After a lengthy debate lasting more than four hours, the motion to reverse the ban secured 12 votes in favor and only 2 against. The meeting saw disruptions from some attendees in the gallery, resulting in their ejection, while outside, both police and protesters gathered, reflecting the intensity of the issue.
The NSW state government had previously threatened to withdraw funding from the affected libraries following the initial ban. Arts Minister John Graham expressed concerns about the decision, highlighting its potential impact on the council’s eligibility for library funding under the Library Act 1939, which upholds principles of free access to information.
Various stakeholders voiced their disapproval of the ban. The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) issued a statement expressing dismay at the council’s action, while endorsing a petition by local resident Caroline Staples, facilitated by Equality Australia. ALIA also communicated its legal concerns to Cumberland City Council directly. The petition, which called for the reversal of the ban, received substantial support, accumulating over 50,000 signatures.
The decision to overturn the ban marks a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding access to diverse literature in public libraries.
