TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2005 – The Catholic Civil Rights League today called on The Comedy Network to review its decision to air the Denis Leary Christmas comedy special, which has been the subject of numerous complaints both in Canada and in the United States, where it has already been shown.

The “Merry F#%$in’ Christmas” special includes a skit about lesbian nuns, and a song by “Our Lady of Perpetual Suffering Church Choir” about a prostitute. Leary’s monologue features some extremely vulgar content about the doctrine of the virgin birth.

“These elements of the show are deeply offensive to Catholics, and indeed to most Canadians,” the League said in an e-mail to Brent Haynes, the network’s director of programming. “It is all but impossible to imagine the network exposing the beliefs of any other faith group to such ridicule. It is particularly troubling that your network would choose to repeat the programme several times, especially at such a sacred and family-oriented time of the year. We urge you to reconsider this decision.” 

The League encourages its supporters to express their concerns to The Comedy Network, which is part of the CTV group of broadcasting outlets. The network can be contacted at mail@thecomedynetwork.ca, to the attention of Mr. Haynes, or by mail at 9 Channel Nine Court, Toronto M1S4B5.

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