PRESS RELEASE

A press release from Family Life International, New Zealand

Monday 20th February, 2006

NZ Race Relations Commissioner's comments on the Bloody Mary episode of South Park are extremely disappointing

As a Catholic organisation we are extremely disappointed to learn of the comments of New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner; Joris de Bres, regarding the offensive Bloody Mary episode of South Park.

Mr Joris de Bres has been reported in the news today as saying that he believes that "news and entertainment are different issues when it comes to broadcasting offensive materials". His comments were made specifically in relation to the Bloody Mary episode of South Park which CanWest plans to broadcast on its C4 television station.

His comments make absolutely no sense and will lead people to conclude that he is only prepared to support the Islamic religion, but, as far as he is concerned, the Christian faith and women are free to be subjected to gratuitous and offensive attacks by media organisations.

Surely offensive material is offensive because of its content, not because of the medium used to convey the offence.

This program is outrageously offensive to women and Christians because of its content. Its offensive status has nothing to do with whether it is classed as news or entertainment.

Mr Joris de Bres' comments show that while the Islamic community has his full support, he is not interested in speaking against gratuitous attacks on the Christian faith.

ENDS

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