Artwork depicting Jesus carrying the cross with a ‘Looney Tunes’ cartoon face has been removed from a gallery in Sydney, Australia after online protestors said it "mocked Christianity".
The painting, titled 'Jesus Speaks to the Daughters of Jerusalem', portrays Jesus on the Road to Calvary with a ‘Looney Tunes’ cartoon character face. He is surrounded by other Biblical characters, some of whom also have cartoon-style faces.
The controversial oil painting by 48-year-old Phil James was ordered to be removed by the local government authority after Catholic group Christian Lives Matter launched a campaign against it.
James and the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, where his piece was being exhibited, claim to have received a slew of complaints and negative comments online including threats of violence.
Hundreds of protestors called out the piece for being disrespectful to the Christian faith, according to CLM founder Charlie Bakhos.
“This is another attack on Christianity we have managed to put a stop to thanks to everyone's support,” Bakhos posted on Facebook.
“Let's keep defending our faith respectfully and we will get results as Jesus is on our side.
"No faith, no religion, no race, no one should be mocked full stop.”
Liverpool City Council mayor Ned Mannoun said he called for the artwork’s removal due to safety concerns and because numerous residents had been disgusted and offended by its derogatory nature.
“The Christian Messiah and the Muslim Messiah Jesus has no connection to the cartoon character Goofy,” he added.
