A Toowoomba councillor is calling for children's books on anti-racism and gender identity to be taken off library shelves because young readers are being "indoctrinated by warped thought".
In a social media post, councillor Tim McMahon said rates and taxes should not fund the purchase of books such as Antiracist Baby and ABC of Gender Identity.
But his views have been rejected by anti-racism and gender diversity advocates who say it's important to address discrimination at all ages.
Antiracist Baby, by American author and academic Dr Ibram X Kendi, is marketed as introducing readers to the "concept and power of anti-racism".
ABC of Gender Identity, by New York author Devika Dala, is promoted by its publisher as helping to "raise awareness and acceptance of different genders".
McMahon concerned about junior readers
Cr McMahon said he came across the books in the junior readers' section of the Toowoomba library during a review of the region's facilities.
"I'm certainly not against those resources that are valuable to older readers who may be wanting to get into those kinds of content," he said.
Important conversation to have
Anti-racism campaigner Prudence Melom says the books are appropriate and should be on library shelves.
"Racism exists. There are people who experience it on a daily basis," Ms Melom said.
"If they can read more about it and understand the issue of racism better, then I don't see anything wrong with that."
Ms Melom said while the conversation about racism with children might be uncomfortable, it was important to talk about the issue.
"It's time that they address it head on and there's nothing to be ashamed about, and it's nothing to shy away from," she said.
Inclusive and diverse
Bonnie Pimm, convener of Queers Reader Brisbane, said it was important a range of books promoting inclusion and diversity were available.
"Having books and libraries with these resources can be invaluable for people who feel they have limited opportunity to seek the information they need, and also a great resource to assist in supporting or understanding friends and relatives who might be in the LGBTQI+ community."
Ms Pimm said community leaders had a responsibility to support those in minority groups, especially considering the above-average rates of mental illness and suicide for younger LGBTQI+ people.
Cr McMahon said he wanted a review of the books at local libraries.
"I didn't say, you know, ban them, censor them or anything, but I think we need to have the conversation … in general about books that are age-appropriate."
Toowoomba Regional Council chief executive Brian Pidgeon said books would not be removed from the library solely on the basis of doctrinal or ideological disapproval.
He said any change to current policies would require a decision by the majority of councillors at a meeting.
