Christians react to ‘disgraceful’ Mardi Gras image: ‘Defund the event’

Christians want the Sydney Mardi Gras defunded after a “disgraceful” image emerged from the event attended by Anthony Albanese.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has become embroiled in a similar controversy to the one that derailed the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics.

A controversial image of a prominent drag queen pointing a spear at a person appearing to be dressed up as Jesus has drawn a furious reaction from Christians across Australia.

The Australian Christian Lobby is now calling for the event to be defunded.

“NSW taxpayers and Sydney ratepayers are being forced to fund an event that promotes debauchery, sexual fetishes, and now — religious mockery and blasphemy,” it said in a statement.

“Almost half of Australians identify with the Christian faith — the very faith that has given our society liberty, democracy, and a legacy of charity for the poor and needy.

“It is simply unacceptable for government money to go towards an event that ridicules the deeply held beliefs of millions of Australians.”

“It is disgraceful that people’s religion is being openly mocked with an individual dressed like an Aboriginal stripper pretending to spear Jesus,” Cumberland councillor Steve Christou added.

“Any other religion this would be considered a hate crime. No religion deserves to be mocked. Why is Government taxpayer money funding these festivals.”

Prominent drag queen Felicia Foxx points a spear at a person appearing to be dressed as Jesus. Picture: Instagram

NSW Libertarian Party vice president Gemma Noiosi added: “What the actual HELL is this? Apparently these are the sorts of shenanigans that are taking place at the Sydney mardi gras - at the expense of tax payers? Any other religion, this would be called a ‘hate crime’.”

Women’s Forum Australia CEO Rachel Wong said “this scene shows just how fringe and extreme Sydney mardi gras has become”.

“It is disgraceful that this event receives millions of dollars in government funding,” Wong tweete️d. “And imagine the outrage if it were another religion being ridiculed, rather than Christianity?”

“Does this not fall under hate speech?’ Christian podcaster Charlie Bakhos added.

“Mocking of Christianity as well as mocking Indigenous people themselves. This also trying to divide the country shouldn’t be acceptable and millions are going to want answers?

“Where are our leaders in this country, and why is this allowed? Hate shouldn’t be accepted against anyone.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marched in the event alongside his partner Jodie Haydon.

Felicia Foxx poses in one of the more striking images that emerged from the event. Picture: Instagram

Kamilario and Dhughutti person Wendell French – who goes by the moniker of Felicia Foxx. Picture: Instagram

The provocative stunt was reminiscent of the furore after the opening ceremony at last year’s Olympics.

Organisers were forced to issue an apology after Catholic groups and French bishops condemned what they saw as “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity” in the parade choreographed by theatre director Thomas Jolly.

Criticism focused on a scene involving dancers, drag queens and a DJ in poses that recalled depictions of the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus is said to have taken with his apostles.

Foxx has not addressed the criticism from the Christian community specifically, but has reposted statements on social media decrying the reaction to his appearance at the mardi gras.

“Love to all the LGBTQ mob,” they wrote.

“It’s terrible seeing Black Fullas use culture as a way to dismiss and erase our Queer family. Cut that sh** out!

“Queer mob have always had a place in community, stop letting these colonial ideals corrupt your spirit and your thinking. (Foxx) looks deadly, putting their culture and identity on full display for the world to see.”

Another read: “Seeing so many use culture and lore as a reason to be straight-up homophobic – I promise you, my elders don’t give a sh** that I’m queer, they love that I’m able to be myself, especially because they know what it’s like to feel shame for something you can’t change about your identity.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks in the parade alongside his partner Jodie. Picture: X

French actor Philippe Katerine appearing as the Greek god Dionysus during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Picture: Supplied

But the Australian Christian Lobby stands by its call to defund the event.

“While those attending mardi gras may not share Christian beliefs, the festival should not be funded by everyday Australians who are working hard to provide for their families. A festival that mocks Christianity cannot claim to be about tolerance and diversity.

“The Biblical meaning of Christ’s crucifixion — and the moment He was speared to confirm His death — is the ultimate act of love: forgiveness offered to all who believe, including those who mock Him.

“May attendees at the mardi gras come to know the true meaning of Jesus’ suffering, as expressed in Isaiah 53:3, ‘But He (Jesus) was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by His wounds we are healed’.”

News.com.au has approached Felicia Foxx and the Mardi Gras organisers for comment.