Vic: Government to review Good Friday R rated film ban

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2001
Vic: Government to review Good Friday R rated film ban

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Victorian Premier STEVE BRACKS says his government will review the appropriateness
of a ban on R-rated films being shown on two Christian holidays.

The government has banned screenings of The Exorcist on Good Friday, fearing the film
may cause offence to Christians.

Many cinemas had planned to show a new director's cut on April 13, which is Good Friday.

The 1973 film about a 12 year-old girl possessed by the devil includes a scene where
she appears to masturbate with a crucifix.

Mr BRACKS says several months ago the government submitted the banning procedure to
the Parliamentary Law Reform Committee for it to be examined.

The Premier admits anomalies exist with the ban on R-rated films being shown on the
two religious holidays, including that people can still rent R-rated movies on these days.

Under Section 10 of the Theatres Act, no cinema can show films on Christmas day and
Good Friday without a permit.

The Parliamentary Law Reform Commission is expected to report on that review later in the year.

AAP RTV tsc/clr/mjm/jtb

KEYWORD: EXORCIST BRACKS (MELBOURNE)

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