Anti-Catholic Hate Speech at Tarleton State University

3/24/2010
Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights (www.catholicleague.org/)

Jesus is depicted as the "King of the Queers" who says to the apostles, "F--- your mother, F--- your father, F--- God."

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NEW YORK, NY (Catholic League) - On Saturday, March 27, Tarleton State University in Texas will host a performance of "Corpus Christi," the Terrence McNally play that was the subject of a major street demonstration launched by the Catholic League in 1998 when it opened in New York City.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue explains his position:

"There are three things wrong about this event: (a) the play is hate speech directed at Christians and is far more than just a "gay Jesus" play (b) it is being shown at a state university, and (c) it is being performed on the eve of Palm Sunday.

"I saw the play, led the demonstration against it, and debated its supporters when it came out in 1998. Jesus is depicted as the "King of the Queers" who says to the apostles, "F--- your mother, F--- your father, F--- God."

"The apostle Philip asks Jesus (called Joshua in the play) to perform oral sex on him, and at the end of the play Jesus condemns a priest for condemning homosexuality. Crotch grabbing, simulated urination, etc. color the performance. No wonder even the gay-friendly New York Times slammed it as an artistic bomb.

"Tarleton is funded by the taxpayers, most of whom are Christians. That they should have to underwrite hate speech against their religion, on the brink of Holy Week, is not an accident—it is a deliberate act of provocation.

"No doubt this same university would put aside free speech concerns if students wanted to erect a nativity scene on campus, or sing "Ave Maria" at a university event. They only seem to invoke academic freedom when it suits their ideological agenda.

"It's up to the employees and students at Tarleton State to register a protest. Texas taxpayers, and Texas lawmakers who appropriate funds to the university, also have a right to have their voice heard".

Contact Tarleton president F. Dominic Dottavio: president@tarleton.edu

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The Catholic League is the nation's largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics � lay and clergy alike � to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination. It is led by its' President, William A. Donohue, Ph.D.

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1 - 10 of 19 Comments

Ron Toczek
3 years ago
First of all, I am glad that Tarleton canceled this class exercise. Plays with such disrespect and foul language are best left in the gutter. I was one of the many persons who wrote to the president and I received a nice message back explaining their side which agrees with what Alyson said--I would not have written my note in the same manner if that information was made known to me before I wrote.

Second, this episode of journalism is typical of today--prejudice reigns. The original story which prompted my action, while not stating explicitly, did allude that the play would be shown to the public and it was on that basis that I formulated my response. Needless to say, I was a little chagrined when I received their reply. Granted, I still would have responded but it would have been on a different basis. Was not President Bush chastised for the same type of allusion to weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? It is for this reason that I read articles from major publishers with skepticism and I hope that I do not have to do the same with articles from Catholic Online.
Stephen M.
3 years ago
I will pray for those that are about to condemn themselves. Why is this one act play permitted? For those that allow this blasphemy to happen, they themselves are as guilty. Do you not understand the depth of this statement to the Christian community. This statement is directed toward all Christians, not just Catholics.
Futtes
3 years ago
Thank You Tarleton for cancelling this play!
Paul Molyneux
3 years ago
Why was the picketer picture selected for this article? It has nothing to do with the article and makes the article look like specific Catholic bashing when the play simply denigrates Christianity as a whole.
Don
3 years ago
In the name of a class exercise? Puleeze ... this is simply offensive - why is it necessary?
Alyson
3 years ago
As a Catholic, as an alumni and now employee of Tarleton State University, I am extremely disappointed in this release.

There are statements in this release that are COMPLETELY false.

We, the university, are not underwriting this production. This is a class exercise in which the student chose the production for a one-act play, which is not part of the university's theater season. It has never been open to the public nor was the university selling tickets for it.

Second, the date for this one-act play presentation was set several semesters ago even before this play was chosen, therefore the date is an unfortunate coincidence.

Third, Tarleton has NEVER discouraged Christian activity on our campus. We hold a live nativity scene every year, host a full production of Handel's Messiah at Christmas, pray before student government meetings and have a half dozen Christian-based student organizations on campus - one being Catholic Campus Ministries � and we are a state university!

I agree this play is offensive and appalling, but the student is protected under the Constitution. And we have just as much a right to voice our opposition, but I feel it is necessary that ALL the facts be presented before such a rash statement like this be made to a national audience.

Our president has posted a letter explained this on our Web site, www.tarleton.edu

All I ask is that you take the time to read it before you post a comment.
Caleb
3 years ago
Please go to www.tarleton.edu and read the state from the university's president. Hopefully understanding ALL the facts about this play will help squash some of the anger that has been incited.
Steve
3 years ago
It is a silly play. I am sure we have bigger problems to deal with. This will not test my catholic faith.
Catherine Spear
3 years ago
This outrage should be condemned by every person of faith. It is obscene in content, and blasphemous in intention. Shame on Tarleton.
Vincent
3 years ago
Even as Muslims defend the Prophet Mohammed (peace be on him also), do we not have a duty to defend Jesus and Mary in their absence?

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