Hon Bill English National Party MP

22 February 2006

Southpark: Canwest backs down

National MP Bill English says Canwest's decision to screen a "gross and offensive" episode of Southpark two months earlier than scheduled is a backdown.

"They know they cannot win the public debate surrounding it if it goes on for much longer.

"I have seen the controversial programme which is now easily accessible on the internet. It is gross and offensive, not just to those of Catholic faith, but to most decent people.

"It crosses the boundaries of decency and respect for women.

"If the show portrayed any other well known woman in the way it portrays the Virgin Mary, it would not be broadcast, certainly not on a mainstream channel.

"New Zealanders generally tolerate religious satire but the combination of bad taste and religious insult make this programme deeply offensive," says Mr English.

ENDS

© Scoop Media