Two of the biggest churches in Australia have blasted the massive annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for 'gross exhibitionism.' 700,000 spectators expected to line the streets this year and the event will pump some 100 million Australian dollars into the economy

ydney - The leaders of the two biggest Christian churches joined together for the first time Thursday to attack Sydney's annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, labelling it an exercise in gross exhibitionism.

As divas and drag queens prepare for the March 4 parade, Catholic Church leader Cardinal Edward Clancy and Anglican Archbishop Harry Goodhew said it was little more than a highly erotic and gross way of promoting homsexuality.

Both have steered clear of criticism in the 22-year history of the event but decided to break their silence as the extravaganza goes from strength to strength.

Since baton-wielding police broke up a 1,000-strong group of protesters in 1978, the Mardi Gras has become the world's largest gay and lesbian costume parade with 700,000 spectators expected to line the streets this year.

Last year homosexual police were given the all clear to march in full uniform and on full pay for the first time.

Clancy, writing in the Catholic Weekly, said homosexual practices were contrary to moral law and gays should exhibit self-discipline. "Homosexual people are required to exercise self-discipline and to avoid such conduct," he said in the weekly magazine which will be distributed to Catholic churches on Sunday.

"The annual Gay Mardi Gras is an exercise in gross exhibitionism that promotes a homosexual lifestyle, and does not merit our presence or our support."

Goodhew added his support to the Catholic Church's message, saying Clancy was correct in labelling the Mardi Gras as gross exhibitionism.

"In highly erotic display it promotes a homosexual lifestyle, and is certainly not deserving of the presence or support of citizens of this city," he said in a statement.

"I call on the state government, politicians and community leaders generally, and other community organisations, including any christian groups who might show support to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, to reflect again on the values, and lifestyle they endorse."

Festival president David McLachlan said the comments showed the church was out of touch.

"It's sad to see how out of touch these church leaders are in helping people deal with the development of one's sexuality," he said.

"These comments are out of touch not only with many in their own church, but certainly within the broader community."

New South Wales Premier Bob Carr shied away from the row, saying it was an issue between the churches and the gay and lesbian movement.

"One of the advantages of living in a democracy is that non-government agencies can criticise one another," he told reporters.

"Church people are entitled to attack the gay and lesbian movement and (they) are entitled to attack the churches." Official figures show the parade and events leading up to it are expected to pump 100 million dollars into the national economy.

Once shunned by the media, the event is now broadcast live on free-to-air tv in Australia and around the world via satellite and the Internet, with corporate sponsors also eager to back the event.

an Electronic Mail & Guardian publication

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