Cumberland City Council has overturned its ban on books representing LGBTQIA+ parenting in its public libraries following four hours of debate and an overwhelming vote of 12-2 overnight.
Police and security guards were on hand for last night’s Council meeting as ugly scenes unfolded as two large protest groups clashed outside the meeting.
Local resident, Caroline Staples (pictured, right), tabled a petition with more than 42,000 signatures supporting the overturn of the ban.
“The destruction and censoring of libraries is a weapon of war,” Ms Staples told the council.
The ban was originally moved by Councillor Paul Garrard and seconded by former mayor Steve Christou, who said he was advocating on behalf of concerned local residents.
