Advocates Protest Catholic Church's Position On Condoms, Contraception During Pope's Visit To Australia

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 23 Jul 2008 - 5:00 PST

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More than 500 members of the group NoToPope Coalition on Saturday protested the Roman Catholic church's ban on condom use and contraception during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Sydney, Australia, for Catholic World Youth Day, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports (AP/International Herald Tribune, 7/19). The protesters chanted and wore T-shirts that read "The pope is wrong, put a condom on," and distributed condoms to participants (AFP/Philippine Daily Inquirer, 7/19).

According to the AP/Herald Tribune, the protest "drew attention" before it was held because Australian officials had passed a law that allowed authorities to fine anyone who demonstrated behavior that caused "annoyance or inconvenience" to participants of World Youth Day. Under the law, people faced a fine of 5,500 Australian dollars, or about $5,300. The NoToPope Coalition -- which is made up of gay rights, student and atheist groups -- argued in court that the regulations infringed on their free speech rights. The court agreed and the law was struck down.

Rachel Evans, a spokesperson for the coalition, said, "We want to make it clear that we are not anti-religious, and we welcome the Catholic youth to our country," adding, "Our gripe is with Pope Benedict and the hierarchy of the church." During the protest, advocates also waved inflated condoms, and some protesters threw condoms at pilgrims headed to a papal mass (AP/International Herald Tribune, 7/19).

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