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News : Police charge QLD metal fan over shirt

By on June 25, 2008

A GOLD COAST teenager has been charged by police for wearing a blasphemous t-shirt degrading Jesus.

The boy, 16, was stopped by police in Biggera Waters after he was spotted wearing a Cradle of Filth t-shirt which claims “Jesus is a c**t” and depicts a nun masturbating.

The teen was charged with offensive behaviour under the Summary Offences Act 2005 for public nuisance on Monday, however, the incident has sparked debate about Australia’s lack of a Bill of Rights.

Sen-Sgt Arron Ottaway defended charging the teen. “I’m not religious but that’s just offensive,” Sen-Sgt Ottaway said. Police conducted inquiries at Australia Fair shopping centre, where the teen said he bought the shirt, to find any shops selling it. Gold Coast lawyer Bill Potts told website goldcoast.com.au that the arrest highlighted Australia’s need for a Bill of Rights. “One of the great problems with our country is that we talk about rights such as privacy and freedom of speech and the like but they are not enshrined or protected in any way as they are in America,” Mr Potts said.

“While there are always limits on freedom of speech, you can’t incite violence or anything like that, it seems to be now more than ever that our rights to freedom of speech and freedom of expression should be protected. A Bill of Rights which enshrines that protection is long overdue in this country.”

Source: Herald Sun

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