NoToPope Coalition calls for model (citizens) for its debut annoying fashion show.
Press release 7th July 2008
On Wednesday 9th July NoToPope Coalition will join Australian National Secular Foundation (ANSA) for an exhibition of political T-shirts. Slogans, colour, condoms, inconvenience are all expected to take centre stage at the front of NSW State Parliament from 1pm till 2pm.
Held at the most annoying of times, the NoToPope Coalition is inviting all civil libertarians, sexual health workers, condom producers, gays/ lesbians/ queers, women's rights activists, abortion providers, Christians and faith/holders, to challenge NSW governments attacks on free speech.
The exhibition will take place during the lunch break of a Conference titled "Are Australia and New Zealand Christian nations?" The Conference is organised by the Australian National Secular Association and sponsored by Greens MLC', Dr John Kaye. Greens Member, Lee Rhiannon, will speak at the conference. Conference participants will be invited to join in NoToPope's annoying fashion show.
"These new regulations that threaten protestors and skateboarders with fines of $5,500 for potentially 'annoying' the Pope will be challenged on Wednesday", said Rachel Evans, spokesperson for NoToPope Coalition. "Wearing a political T shirt, promoting safe-sex - pre-marital or otherwise and criticising the World Youth Day (WYD) 08 'code of ethics' will all be showcased at our highly annoying fashion show" noted Evans. "Criticising WYD ethics includes promoting contraception, access to abortion and conducting any criticism of the reactionary views of some Catholic Church leaders", said Evans.
"Two weeks ago the NoToPope Coalition announced it would distribute condoms to the WYD pilgrims . Now is appears the simple act of condom distribution may have been banned! Come challenge this ban with us" said Luke Roberts from the NoToPope Coalition. "We are also asking people to wear condoms on their clothing as a symbol of human rights, sexual freedom and the right to live our dreams in a democracy. Lets establish International Condom Day on Saturday July 19th, " Luke Roberts from NoToPope Coalition stated.
The Director of ANSA, Max Wallace, said "Its despicable the NSW government has banned free distribution of condoms to WYD participants. This echoes the Church's ban on condom distribution in Africa, a move widely condemned by world health authorities " Wallace said "the ban demonstrates there is no separation of church and state in NSW especially after the government has gifted tens of millions of taxpayers dollars to the Church, one of the richest organisations in Australia." Wallace said "if Mr Iemma believes there will be no sexual health consequences or pregnancies resulting from this ban' he is desperately out of touch. But perhaps we already knew that."
The NSW NoToPope Coalition will peacefully protest on Saturday July 19th 12 noon at Taylor Square, Darlinghurst. *Defend the Right To Protest *No To Homophobia *No to anti-condom policies *Defend reproductive rights
Youth Against World Youth Day are rallying in Melbourne Sunday July 13, 1:30pm (speakers from 2pm), Step of Parliament House, Spring St, Melbourne. Call Jason 0407781406
A kiss-in and condom distribution action will take place in Brisbane on Saturday July 19th at 3pm in Queens Park. Call Luke 0400 195 203 Dominic Hale o431 638 772
For Adelaide's Kiss-in Queen Street, Bowden Saturday July 19th at 2.30pm for 3pm please contact: Troy-Anthony Baylis 0439 684 876 or Jess Cronin 0438 668 370
Lismore NoToPope event at Winsome Hotel contact Tara 02 6629 5358
For Newcastle call Star 0410 326 006
Rachel Evans 0403 798 420 Max Wallace 0412 707 428 Karl Hand 0425 220 635 Luke Roberts 0400 195 203 Anthony Englund 0412 039 860
