Family First's lead NSW Legislative Council candidate, Lyle Shelton, today announced that if elected in March, he will move to end NSW Government funding for the Unholy Playhouse through Create NSW.
"It is completely inappropriate for taxpayers to be forced to subsidise a venue whose entire brand is built around mocking Christianity and, in particular, the Catholic faith," Mr Shelton said.
"The Unholy Playhouse proudly acknowledges on its website that it is 'supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW'. Taxpayers deserve to know why their money is being used to bankroll material that many Christians find deeply offensive."
Mr Shelton said the venue promotes itself as "A Sanctuary for Divine Mischief" and advertises events including 'The First Rite', 'Sunday Mess' and other productions that deliberately parody Christian language, imagery and religious traditions.
"Freedom of expression means people are entitled to produce provocative art if they wish. It does not mean taxpayers should pay for it.
"The Minns Government would never dream of funding an arts project devoted to mocking Islam's prophet Muhammad or ridiculing Islamic religious practices. There would be an immediate public outcry and possibly violence.
"Christianity should be afforded the same respect.
"Governments should not be in the business of using taxpayers' money to insult the sincerely held religious beliefs of millions of Australians.
"If Family First wins representation in the Legislative Council, I will seek to end Create NSW funding for projects that deliberately denigrate Christianity or any other faith.
"Taxpayer-funded arts programs should unite communities and encourage genuine artistic excellence, not subsidise the mockery of people's religious faith."
Mr Shelton praised the courage of a large group of Catholics who knelt in prayer and song as part of a respectful protest outside the venue this week.
