TORONTO, October 20, 2006 The Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) today commented on NBCs decision to cut the mock crucifixion segment from its November 22nd airing of Madonnas Confessions concert. The League was among the many groups to protest the airing of this portion of the concert. According to reports, the portion of the “Live to Tell” song in which Madonna sings suspended from a giant cross and wearing a crown of thorns will not be shown in the broadcast. Instead, cameras will cut to other shots and images.
Based on NBCs announcement yesterday, it appears the protest was successful in getting the most problematic scenes removed, said League executive director Joanne McGarry. “Nevertheless, the network shouldnt have needed hundreds of thousands of e-mails and phone calls to know that letting a rock star use the crucifixion as a stage prop is unacceptable; NBC showed much more sensitivity to Muslims last Spring when it refused to show the Mohammed cartoons during newscasts.
The League would have been more satisfied with the outcome if NBC had deleted the entire song, as it would have made a strong statement that attacks or misuse of respected religious icons or symbolism is not acceptable. We would hope all media outlets appreciate the need to take the misuse of Christian images as seriously as they usually do those of other religions. Since it seems to have been lacking in this case, weve encouraged all our supporters to either turn the TV off or watch something else that night.
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca