Funny how existing laws (which have handled democratic freedom of expression just fine for eons), have been “temporarily updated” with some new laws for World Youth Day in Sydney. The worrying part is that the government has decided that “being annoying to a Catholic pilgrim” will be an offense - so you can be arrested and fined $5,500 for pissing a pilgrim off.
WYD will be held at Randwick Race Course, and will result in many road closures and transport challenges – although those issues pale compared to making “annoyance” an offense.
I love the spirited response that is so typical of the Australian spirit. For example, these t-shirt slogans are big sellers in Sydney right now…
- You can fine me $5,500… But I still won’t believe in God
- WYD08: We close 300 roads so 300,000 can close their minds
- Good luck Pope – I’ve been waiting for a miracle at Randwick for years
- “and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who wear t-shirts that cause annoyance or inconvenience…”
- I survived a Christian Brothers education
- Oh no, I stepped in Dogma
- Too many Christians, not enough lions – Randwick 2008
- annoying & inconvenient
- I’ve been touched by the Catholic Church, so where’s my $2 billion?
- World Youth Day: You can cross yourself, but not the city
There’s more creative genius at the Remo General Store. Looks like their user-generated t-shirts will be big sellers for WYD…
