§ Bob Spink (Castle Point)I have a massive petition to present. Many Roman Catholics are opposed to the screening of the BBC sitcom "Popetown" and petition Parliament as the only available option, in view of the BBC's intransigent attitude. The BBC is required in the agreement associated with its charter not to broadcast programmes that include anything that offends against good taste or decency or may be offensive to public feelings. The petitioners believe that "Popetown" is in poor taste, lacks decency and will offend public feelings.
The petition, signed by 15,378 people, states:
To the Honourable Commons of the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled. The Humble Petition of Mrs. Stella Lilley, Mr. Edward McCabe, Mr. Francis McFadyen and others of like disposition sheweth:If the BBC allows the screening on Television of the animated sit-com series entitled "Popetown", it will offend many practising members of the Roman Catholic faith.871We consider that to have Ruby Wax providing the voice of a senile Pope, albeit as a cartoon character, is in extremely poor taste and offends against a code of propriety that the BBC ought to follow.We believe that it is inappropriate at any time, to portray the Pope, revered as the Spiritual Leader and Head of the Catholic Church on Earth, as a cartoon character.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House shall request the Government to encourage the BBC to abandon the "Popetown" sit-com.And your Petititioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.To lie upon the Table.