Pope In Drag Art Banned

Organizers of an art exhibition on the relationship between homosexuality and art said Wednesday they were removing a controversial sculpture depicting Pope Benedict in drag. The exhibit drew protests from the Catholic Anti-Defamation League, which threatened to seek charges against the organizers for defaming a head of state. The group expressed outrage at "the vulgar offence against Christ's vicar and the feelings of Roman Catholics," the group said in a statement. The sculpture, titled "Miss Kitty," shows the Pope in a blond bob wig wearing nothing but a stole, a pair of panties and thigh-high stockings. Organizers postponed the opening by three days to remove the sculpture and another controversial art piece. They also have withdrawn the catalogues and were reprinting new ones without photos of the two exhibits. "It was made clear to us that it would be better to remove the pieces," curator Eugenio Viola told The Associated Press. Organizers were to decide whether to ban the art show to children under 18. (For full source and article click the Headline). Irish Art