Keeping Children Safe Albany calls for electors meeting to discuss ‘sexualizing children’ in library books

A petition signed by 362 people has successfully called for a special electors meeting to discuss “the promotion of sexualising children” in Albany.

The special electors meeting, called for by Keeping Children Safe Albany, will take place on August 26.

The group, which was formed in May, is asking the City of Albany to investigate “the promotion of sexualizing children in the City of Albany through unrestricted books in the Town Library and events held during the month of February 2024.”

The two specific books in question are Welcome to Sex by Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes, and Sex: A Book for Teens by Nikol Hasler.

One of the events includes a “Twerkshop”, a two-hour beginner twerking tutorial hosted by Albany Pride on March 2 as part of their annual Pride festival that was advertised on the City of Albany website as an 18+ event.

KCSA group representative Michelle Kinsella first brought the books to the council’s attention at its May meeting.

“These sex guides are not education material, they’re ‘guides’ that promote sexual activities,” she said.

“It is illegal for anyone to engage in sexual activity under the age of 16 in WA.”

Albany-born author Kate Larsen said she was disappointed to see the community gain a reputation for intolerance.

“It’s devastating to witness Albany’s growing national reputation for intolerance, censorship ... as demonstrated by ... the dangerous and prejudicial fear-mongering to be tabled ... at a Special Elector’s Meeting later this month,” she said.

“Keeping children safe doesn’t come from removing access to information or connections, nor from censorship of libraries, social groups or activities.

“We need councillors to continue to protect the right of all Albany voters and children to express themselves fully, safely and with pride, to stand against censorship of libraries, social groups and activities, and focus on the real challenges facing Western Australians instead.”

Ms Kinsella said the group has received “overwhelming” support from across the country.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received not only in Albany but from all across the nation,” she said.

“It has been truly uplifting to see everyone come together on this important issue. We look forward to continuing our work with everyone who wants to protect our children.”

More than 360 people signed the petition required to call the meeting.