Queensland film ban praised and scorned

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 11

Queensland film ban praised and scorned

NZPA-AAP Brisbane An international storm of protest and praise has greeted Queensland’s decision to become the first place worldwide to ban the film, “The Last Temp- ' tation of Christ.” America’s Moral Major- i ity Group; the British i morals campaigner, Mary I Whitehouse; the Queens- < land Premier, Mike i Ahern; former Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen; I State National president, ‘ Sir Robert Sparkes; and I Liberal Leader, Angus i Innes, praised the Films 1 Board of Review’s deci- i sion. Directed by Martin i Scorsese the film concerns Christ’s crucifixion, 1 but it is a brief dream I

sequence in which Christ makes love to Mary Magdalene — his wife in the dream — that has largely drawn moral and religious wrath on to “The Last Temptation.” The ban also prompted calls by the State Opposition for the board, Australia’s only State film censorship agency, to be sacked. The ban was described by Universal Studios as “archaic” and by the eueensland . Council for ivil Liberties as an interference with civil rights. A spokesman for Australian film distributor United International Pictures, Joy Strange, said that because of the cost

her company had decided against appealing the board’s decision that the film was “objectionable.” The board gave no reason for the banning decision — a factor which drew criticism from both the State Opposition ,and Queensland Council for Civil Liberties’ president, Stephen Keim. Mr Keim said his group believed open and informed discussion about such films was more beneficial to Churches and the community than banning them. Labour’s justice spokesman, Deane Wells, told a news conference that the board’s decision was “an insult” to Queenslanders’ intelligence.