About two weeks ago, a council in Sydney’s west voted to ban books about same-sex families.

A former mayor and current councillor led the charge, brandishing a book he said his constituents complained about. Though he hadn’t read the book himself, he claimed residents wanted their kids kept safe from “sexualisation."

The motion prompted immediate outrage, including from the NSW Arts Minister, who said when civilisations turn to burning books, or banning books, it was a very bad sign.

Today, state political editor Alexandra Smith on what wider implications this local decision could have for all Australians.

To read Smith's full opinion piece click here.

Other audio used in this episode include from:

• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• MSNBC