Christian groups have expressed outrage over a provocative Mardi Gras photo depicting drag performer Felicia Foxx in a pose appearing to spear Jesus Christ.
The image, which surfaced online following the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras last weekend, has been condemned by Christian leaders and conservative commentators, who argue it is an act of religious mockery.
On social media, Christian podcaster Charlie Bakhos questioned why the image was not considered hate speech.
“Mocking of Christianity as well as mocking Indigenous people themselves… Hate shouldn’t be accepted against anyone,” Bakhos said.
Cumberland City Councillor and former Mayor, Steve Christou called the depiction “disgraceful” and demanded that public funding for Mardi Gras be revoked.
“It is disgraceful that people’s religion is being openly mocked with an individual dressed like an Aboriginal stripper pretending to spear Jesus,” he wrote.
“Any other religion this would be considered a hate crime. No religion deserves to be mocked.”
LGBTQIA+ activists and Indigenous leaders pushed back, dismissing the criticism as homophobic and transphobic attacks.
Foxx has yet to formally respond but shared messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Source: Daily Mail
