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| theme = "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (] 1:8) | theme = "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (] 1:8) | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''World Youth Day 2008''' is a ] youth festival that will be held from ] to ] in ], ]. The 23rd of the ] celebrations, it will be attended by ]. The occasion will mark only the fourth Papal visit to the country, being proposed by the former Prime Minister of Australia ] and the ], Cardinal ]. | |||
| <ref></ref> | |||
| ==Schedule of Events== | ==Schedule of Events== | ||
| The festivities of WYD began on July 1, 2007, when a large 3.8 metre-high wooden Cross and a large 15 kilogram ] of the ] arrived in Sydney to travel around the country. The ]-style event, known as the Journey of the Cross and Icon (or JCI for short) saw the cross and icon go on a pilgrimage around the ]s of Australia, engaging with a variety of Catholic parishes and communities. | The festivities of WYD began on July 1, 2007, when a large 3.8 metre-high wooden Cross and a large 15 kilogram ] of the ] arrived in Sydney, Australia to travel around the country. The ]-style event, known as the Journey of the Cross and Icon (or JCI for short) saw the cross and icon go on a pilgrimage around the ]s of Australia, engaging with a variety of Catholic parishes and communities. | ||
| The WYD Cross was entrusted to the youth of the world by ] in 1984 as a sign of peace and hope. The Pope told the young people of the world to take it around the world as "a symbol of Christ's love for humanity". In 2004, Pope John Paul II commissioned the large icon of the Virgin Mary to accompany the Cross's pilgrimage. It is a symbol intended to represent Mary's maternal love for young people. From the announcement of the host World Youth Day, the Cross and Icon travel ceremonially around the world similar to the ] Relay. | The WYD Cross was entrusted to the youth of the world by ] in 1984 as a sign of peace and hope. The Pope told the young people of the world to take it around the world as "a symbol of Christ's love for humanity". In 2004, Pope John Paul II commissioned the large icon of the Virgin Mary to accompany the Cross's pilgrimage. It is a symbol intended to represent Mary's maternal love for young people. From the announcement of the host World Youth Day, the Cross and Icon travel ceremonially around the world similar to the ] Relay. | ||
| In the week preceding the main event, many young Catholic pilgrims will have spent time in different parts of Australia and New Zealand, staying with a local parish as part of the ''Days in the Dioceses''. After their stay, they will travel to Sydney for the Opening ] of the week-long main event. | In the week preceding the main event, many young Catholic pilgrims will have spent time in different parts of Australia and New Zealand, staying with a local parish as part of the ''Days in the Dioceses''. After their stay, they will then travel to Sydney for the Opening ] of the week-long main event. | ||
| On Tuesday ], World Catholic Day 2008 will begin with the Opening Mass, celebrated by ], the Archbishop of Sydney, at East Darling Harbour. This will be followed by a concert.<ref>http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en/wyd08_events</ref> | On Tuesday ], World Catholic Day 2008 will begin with the Opening Mass, celebrated by ], the Archbishop of Sydney, at East Darling Harbour. This will be followed by a concert.<ref>http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en/wyd08_events</ref> | ||
| Each morning from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 July, ] will be held in approximately 300 locations. This is where pilgrims will receive teachings from a Bishop and will also celebrate ]. In the afternoons, pilgrims will then journey into the city and attend the '''Youth Festival''' which will consist of a series of art exhibitions, concerts, seminars, |
Each morning from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 July, ] will be held in approximately 300 locations. This is where pilgrims will receive teachings from a Bishop, and will also celebrate ]. In the afternoons, pilgrims will then journey into the city and attend the '''Youth Festival''' which will consist of a series of art exhibitions, concerts, seminars, conferences, etc. | ||
| On Thursday ], Sydney and hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from around the world will be present to welcome ]. The Pope actually |
On Thursday ], Sydney and hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from around the world will be present to welcome ]. The Pope will actually arrive on Monday ], however will only appear in public for the first time on this day. The event involves the Pope travelling around ] in a "]" where pilgrims line the shores to see him.<ref></ref> | ||
| On Friday 18 July, there will be a live re-enactment of the ] at major city landmarks. On Saturday 19 July, pilgrims will embark on a 10-kilometre pilgrimage walk, beginning at the ] in ], over the ] and across the city to attend an overnight Vigil before the Mass at ]. | On Friday 18 July, there will be a live re-enactment of the ] at major city landmarks. On Saturday 19 July, pilgrims will embark on a 10-kilometre pilgrimage walk, beginning at the ] in ], over the ] and across the city to attend an overnight Vigil before the Mass at ]. | ||
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| ===Food=== | ===Food=== | ||
| Pilgrims will |
Pilgrims heading to Sydney for World Youth Day will get a taste of Down Under courtesy of a traditional Aussie menu. Over the six-day event, 3.5 million meals will be served. To cater for the masses, 210,000 slices of bread, 425,000 chocolate bars, 200,000 meat pies and 300,000 servings of Weet-Bix Crunch have been ordered. "We want to provide pilgrims with a good feed and a little bit of an Australian taste," WYD director of services Geoff Morris said. "We have tried to do that by including some of our more iconic items such as ], ] Crunch, ], ] and good old ]," Mr Morris said. Organisers have also planned a "Big Aussie BBQ", which will see 200 barbecues lit up simultaneously across Sydney.<ref>. ''NEWS.com.au''. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | ||
| ===Souvenirs=== | ===Souvenirs=== | ||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
| Pilgrims and the public will be able to to buy papal mementos such as special WYD rosary beads, Pope Benedict XVI baseball caps and rugby jerseys. Catholic church leader Cardinal George Pell said the Church was not looking to make a profit and that there was "''nothing immoral with a little commercialism''". "''Our way of life is built on commercialism, on trade, on industry, on finance and people have got a right to make a living out of doing a good thing, which is spreading Christ's message in a modern way,''" he said. <ref>. ''NEWS.com.au''. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | Pilgrims and the public will be able to to buy papal mementos such as special WYD rosary beads, Pope Benedict XVI baseball caps and rugby jerseys. Catholic church leader Cardinal George Pell said the Church was not looking to make a profit and that there was "''nothing immoral with a little commercialism''". "''Our way of life is built on commercialism, on trade, on industry, on finance and people have got a right to make a living out of doing a good thing, which is spreading Christ's message in a modern way,''" he said. <ref>. ''NEWS.com.au''. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | ||
| == Expected |
== Expected Numbers at WYD 2008 == | ||
| World Youth Day organisers have steadily though quietly revised the expected number of attendees downwards. In October 2007 the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, claimed that "over half a million" people would attend the final mass at Randwick. The World Youth Day site now claims likely attendance of "up to" half a million. Similarly, the projected number of overseas attendees was 150,000 people in 2006. This has been altered to a projection of "up to 125,000" people from overseas. | World Youth Day organisers have steadily though quietly revised the expected number of attendees downwards. In October 2007 the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, claimed that "over half a million" people would attend the final mass at Randwick. The World Youth Day site now claims likely attendance of "up to" half a million. Similarly, the projected number of overseas attendees was 150,000 people in 2006. This has been altered to a projection of "up to 125,000" people from overseas. | ||
| However, there are indications that even the revised estimates are unlikely to be met, with 65,000 visas granted (85,000 fewer than original projection; 60,000 fewer than revised projection) as at 12 days before the start of the event. | However, there are indications that even the revised estimates are unlikely to be met, with 65,000 visas granted (85,000 fewer than original projection; 60,000 fewer than revised projection) as at 12 days before the start of the event. | ||
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| <ref>http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/who_should_fund_world_youth_day__550744</ref> | <ref>http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/who_should_fund_world_youth_day__550744</ref> | ||
| ==New Amendment Laws for WYD 2008 in Australia== | |||
| ==WYD Regulations== | |||
| There have been many reports in the Australian media about planned protests during WYD 2008. Primarily these concern the adoption of various amendment laws especially for the ''World Youth Day Amendment Regulation 2008'' to be conducted within hundreds of so-called ''declared areas'' across Sydney. <ref> (NSW Bar Association)</ref> Such areas include over 40 city locations, including popular tourist spots the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, as well as at numerous public transport stations and schools. This enacted law gives Police, (and some other authorities not usually assigned enforcement roles, to be granted extraordinary new powers to ensure order during July; before, during and even after WYD 2008. | |||
| People entering or exiting these areas are subject to being searched, including vehicles or baggage, if so requested. An on the spot fine of A$5,500 has been stated to be the maximum penalty for those transgressing these '']'' laws, under the '''WYD Amendment Regulation 2008''', and according to '']'' newspaper, may be subject to either general clothing inspections, partial strip searches, or even ]. <ref> Sydney Morning Herald''</ref> <ref> - NSW State Parliament''</ref> <ref> - The Australian''</ref> The fines are disproportionately high compared with other fines, such as public sexual activity, which carries a fine up to only one-fifth ($1100) that of the new fines.<ref>http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/world-youth-day-crackdown/801188.aspx</ref> | |||
| These recently adopted law Amendments were ratified by the Parliament of ] and announced by the Deputy Premier, the Hon. ] M.P. on Wednesday, 25 June 2008, and were published in the ''''Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales''''. The Amendments in question are as follows; | |||
| ⚫ | === Referred |
||
| '''World Youth Day Regulation 2008, Clause 7''' <ref>http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/wydr2008290/</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | === Referred Amendments === | ||
| '''Clause 7, Part 3, Schedule 1, pg.5819''' | |||
| (1) An authorised person may direct a person within any World Youth Day declared area to cease engaging in conduct that: | (1) An authorised person may direct a person within any World Youth Day declared area to cease engaging in conduct that: | ||
| Line 115: | Line 117: | ||
| This new legislation continues to be heavily criticised by several civil rights and legal groups, who suggest that members of the public may more likely be arrested or fined - especially if they engaging in wearing irreverent or blasphemous t-shirts or handing out condoms. | This new legislation continues to be heavily criticised by several civil rights and legal groups, who suggest that members of the public may more likely be arrested or fined - especially if they engaging in wearing irreverent or blasphemous t-shirts or handing out condoms. | ||
| ⚫ | Other specific protests stated to be planned against World Youth Day have said they will be using anti-Catholic or anti-World Youth Day slogans such as "''Religion harms us by privileging faith over reason''." and "''Let's solve our problems by reasoning together with compassion, not dogma''" and "''Badly needed community services were robbed to pay the Pope''".<ref>'''' - Sydney Morning herald</ref><ref>'' - Sydney Atheists</ref> | ||
| Victim's rights groups began protesting the handling of sexual abuse cases by the Catholic church<ref>http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=7069</ref> in the lead up to WYD. Some groups have stated that there will be further protests during which they will wear shirts with the slogan "107 Catholic clergy convicted".<ref>http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/child_abuse_victims_protest_outside_nsw_551357</ref> Although they will be subject to arrest and fining in Sydney, protests are also planned for Melbourne (where the laws do not apply.) | |||
| ⚫ | Other specific protests stated to be planned against World Youth Day have said they will be using |
||
| Even an alleged anonymous death threat has been made against protesters. A Sydney small business owner who saw both a commercial and political opportunity by selling shirts printed with the word "annoying". He received death threats against himself and his family, as well as a threat to burn his shop, Bang-On T-shirts in Bondi Junction.<ref>http://www.smh.com.au/news/worldyouyouthday/faithful-get-annoyed-over-merchandise/2008/07/07/1215282747311.html</ref> | Even an alleged anonymous death threat has been made against protesters. A Sydney small business owner who saw both a commercial and political opportunity by selling shirts printed with the word "annoying". He received death threats against himself and his family, as well as a threat to burn his shop, Bang-On T-shirts in Bondi Junction.<ref>http://www.smh.com.au/news/worldyouyouthday/faithful-get-annoyed-over-merchandise/2008/07/07/1215282747311.html</ref> | ||
Revision as of 00:49, 14 July 2008
 | This article may require cleanup to meet Misplaced Pages's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this article if you can. (July 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Date | July 15–July 20 2008 |
|---|---|
| Location | Sydney, Australia |
| Theme | "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8) |
World Youth Day 2008 is a Catholic youth festival that will be held from July 15 to July 20 in Sydney, Australia. The 23rd of the World Youth Day celebrations, it will be attended by Pope Benedict XVI. The occasion will mark only the fourth Papal visit to the country, being proposed by the former Prime Minister of Australia John Howard and the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell.
Schedule of Events
The festivities of WYD began on July 1, 2007, when a large 3.8 metre-high wooden Cross and a large 15 kilogram Icon of the Virgin Mary arrived in Sydney, Australia to travel around the country. The relay-style event, known as the Journey of the Cross and Icon (or JCI for short) saw the cross and icon go on a pilgrimage around the dioceses of Australia, engaging with a variety of Catholic parishes and communities.
The WYD Cross was entrusted to the youth of the world by Pope John Paul II in 1984 as a sign of peace and hope. The Pope told the young people of the world to take it around the world as "a symbol of Christ's love for humanity". In 2004, Pope John Paul II commissioned the large icon of the Virgin Mary to accompany the Cross's pilgrimage. It is a symbol intended to represent Mary's maternal love for young people. From the announcement of the host World Youth Day, the Cross and Icon travel ceremonially around the world similar to the Olympic Torch Relay.
In the week preceding the main event, many young Catholic pilgrims will have spent time in different parts of Australia and New Zealand, staying with a local parish as part of the Days in the Dioceses. After their stay, they will then travel to Sydney for the Opening Mass of the week-long main event.
On Tuesday 15 July, World Catholic Day 2008 will begin with the Opening Mass, celebrated by Cardinal George Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney, at East Darling Harbour. This will be followed by a concert.
Each morning from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 July, Catechesis will be held in approximately 300 locations. This is where pilgrims will receive teachings from a Bishop, and will also celebrate Mass. In the afternoons, pilgrims will then journey into the city and attend the Youth Festival which will consist of a series of art exhibitions, concerts, seminars, conferences, etc.
On Thursday 17 July, Sydney and hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from around the world will be present to welcome Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope will actually arrive on Monday July 14, however will only appear in public for the first time on this day. The event involves the Pope travelling around Port Jackson in a "boatacade" where pilgrims line the shores to see him.
On Friday 18 July, there will be a live re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross at major city landmarks. On Saturday 19 July, pilgrims will embark on a 10-kilometre pilgrimage walk, beginning at the Mary MacKillop Chapel in North Sydney, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the city to attend an overnight Vigil before the Mass at Randwick Racecourse.
Up to 300,000 pilgrims will sleep overnight at Randwick, before an estimated 500,000 participants are expected to attend the Final Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday 20 July. Pope Benedict will continue a tradition of Australian papal Masses at Randwick Racecourse, following in the footsteps of Popes John Paul II and Paul VI.
It has been reported that the Pope will use the occasion of the visit to express shame and regret for the many cases of sexual abuse of children involving the Catholic Church in Australia
Multimedia
WYD 2008 will be the first World Youth Day to take full advantage of telecommunications, with Pope Benedict sending daily text messages to the pilgrims and the launch of a new registration social networking site, and will aim to connect young Catholics before, during and after World Youth Day 2008.
Food
Pilgrims heading to Sydney for World Youth Day will get a taste of Down Under courtesy of a traditional Aussie menu. Over the six-day event, 3.5 million meals will be served. To cater for the masses, 210,000 slices of bread, 425,000 chocolate bars, 200,000 meat pies and 300,000 servings of Weet-Bix Crunch have been ordered. "We want to provide pilgrims with a good feed and a little bit of an Australian taste," WYD director of services Geoff Morris said. "We have tried to do that by including some of our more iconic items such as Tim Tams, Weet-Bix Crunch, Vegemite, lamingtons and good old baked beans," Mr Morris said. Organisers have also planned a "Big Aussie BBQ", which will see 200 barbecues lit up simultaneously across Sydney.
Souvenirs
Pilgrims and the public will be able to to buy papal mementos such as special WYD rosary beads, Pope Benedict XVI baseball caps and rugby jerseys. Catholic church leader Cardinal George Pell said the Church was not looking to make a profit and that there was "nothing immoral with a little commercialism". "Our way of life is built on commercialism, on trade, on industry, on finance and people have got a right to make a living out of doing a good thing, which is spreading Christ's message in a modern way," he said.
Expected Numbers at WYD 2008
World Youth Day organisers have steadily though quietly revised the expected number of attendees downwards. In October 2007 the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, claimed that "over half a million" people would attend the final mass at Randwick. The World Youth Day site now claims likely attendance of "up to" half a million. Similarly, the projected number of overseas attendees was 150,000 people in 2006. This has been altered to a projection of "up to 125,000" people from overseas. However, there are indications that even the revised estimates are unlikely to be met, with 65,000 visas granted (85,000 fewer than original projection; 60,000 fewer than revised projection) as at 12 days before the start of the event.
Public and Government Concerns in Sydney
While the NSW State Government has claimed World Youth Day will have a direct economic benefit in excess of $150 million, there has been widespread concern regarding disruption to traffic and businesses as well as NSW state government public funding of $129 million. Some have called this a "promotional event" for the Catholic Church. The Federal government is providing an extra $55 million in public funding. $35 million straight to the organisers, and $20 million to subsidize the NSW state government funding.
Sydney residents have expressed disapproval at suggestions of inconvenience of the week of the Pope's visit. "The road changes are complex and would change daily," said the Deputy Premier.
Use of Randwick Racecourse for this event has been heavily criticised and legally challenged by the racing industry in Sydney. Industry representatives have argued that alternative sites, such as the former Olympic facilities at Homebush Bay, were more suitable venues for World Youth Day. However, the NSW and Federal governments and the event organisers insisted that Randwick Racecourse was the only location suitable for an event of this scale.
The World Youth Day committee has initially offered to pay an agreed settlement to the racing industry. However, after some complaints, the Federal government and the State government stepped in and jointly pledged $40 million in compensation to the racing industry - more than triple the previously agreed upon amount. In exchange, the industry will relocate its operations to the Warwick Farm and Rosehill Gardens racecourses, with infrastructure at these sites and at Randwick to be upgraded as part of the compensation package. In addition, the Australian Jockey Club's lease at Randwick will be extended by 50 years.
Public Funding Controversy
There has been significant criticism of the 2008 World Youth Day due to a $250 million dollar funding arrangement from the Commonwealth and New South Wales State Governments. Both these Governments have stated that the revenue generated by World Youth Day will offset these costs. However, Freedom of Information ('FoI') applications for Government revenue estimates have been denied. Fines for newly legislated offences are among new revenue channels established to offset the state government investment and expenses. SBS television respondents have denounced secular funding for religious projects of such scale.
New Amendment Laws for WYD 2008 in Australia
There have been many reports in the Australian media about planned protests during WYD 2008. Primarily these concern the adoption of various amendment laws especially for the World Youth Day Amendment Regulation 2008 to be conducted within hundreds of so-called declared areas across Sydney. Such areas include over 40 city locations, including popular tourist spots the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, as well as at numerous public transport stations and schools. This enacted law gives Police, (and some other authorities not usually assigned enforcement roles, to be granted extraordinary new powers to ensure order during July; before, during and even after WYD 2008.
People entering or exiting these areas are subject to being searched, including vehicles or baggage, if so requested. An on the spot fine of A$5,500 has been stated to be the maximum penalty for those transgressing these Code of Conduct laws, under the WYD Amendment Regulation 2008, and according to The Australian newspaper, may be subject to either general clothing inspections, partial strip searches, or even arrest. The fines are disproportionately high compared with other fines, such as public sexual activity, which carries a fine up to only one-fifth ($1100) that of the new fines.
These recently adopted law Amendments were ratified by the Parliament of New South Wales and announced by the Deputy Premier, the Hon. John Watkins M.P. on Wednesday, 25 June 2008, and were published in the 'Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales'. The Amendments in question are as follows;
Referred Amendments
Clause 7, Part 3, Schedule 1, pg.5819
(1) An authorised person may direct a person within any World Youth Day declared area to cease engaging in conduct that:
(a) is a risk to the safety of the person or others, or
(b) causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants in a World Youth Day event, or
(c) obstructs a World Youth Day event.
(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a direction given to the person under subclause (1). Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3) A person is not guilty of an offence under this clause unless it is established that the authorised person warned the person that a failure to comply with the direction is an offence.
(4) In this clause, authorised person means:
(a) a police officer, or
(b) a member of an SES unit (within the meaning of the State Emergency Service Act 1989) or a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service, but only if the member is authorised by the Authority in writing for the purposes of this clause."
The authorisation of Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service has been especially controversial, as such granted enforcement powers normally available only to Police. The new powers have caused concern to those organisations, who do not consider enforcement to be their role.. The powers may also prove unconstitutional
The Protest Controversy in Australia
The terms "annoyance" and "inconvenience", used in the wording of the legislation, have been heavily criticised for being disproportionate and too ambiguous. This could allow police and other enforcers to fine citizens with almost any pretext, and perhaps with ulterior motivation. Also subjecting citizens to large fines over expressions that they hadn't interpreted as inconvenient or annoying. There has also been some calling out against the N.S.W. Government for bypassing normal parliamentary scrutiny, while Greens MP Lee Rhiannon suggested that the powers are "about shutting down protests and quarantining the Pope and visiting Catholics away from messages that World Youth Day authorities don't approve of."
According to the Sydney Morning Herald on 2nd July 2008 a poll of more than 10,600 has found that 90% were against these laws recently imposed by the Government of New South Wales against any so-called 'causing annoyance', 'inconveniencing pilgrims' , or 'annoying' protests in the 'declared areas.'
Civil Libertarians and some members the N.S.W. Bar Association also consider that these laws may very likely directly violate the international rules made by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, 18.2 which ;
"...bars coercion that would impair the right to have or adopt a religion or belief, including the use of threat of physical force or penal sanctions to compel believers or non-believers to adhere to their religious beliefs and congregations, to recant their religion or belief or to convert."
Views like this also are supported by Catholic priest and lawyer, Frank Brennan, being "...contrary to Catholic teachings on human rights."
Australian Community Response
It has been directly stated by several activists, and defended by various civil libertarian groups, that there will be defiant activist protesting at the main events in Randwick, Sydney on both Saturday 19 July 2008 and Sunday 20 July 2008. Many of these protests will now not be actually directed against Catholics, or issues of freedom of religion, nor the freedom of holding of the various organised Catholic events in Sydney, but the right of protesters to express their own views on the grounds of the oppression of freedom of expression within the Australian democracy. This same view was expressed by Anna Katzan of the N.S.W. Bar Association, who said on the same Lateline program of the 1st July, 2008; "...They strike at the heart of our democratic society. They're an affront frankly, to our freedom of speech and movement."
Director-General Brigadier Philip McNamara (State Emergency Service) and Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons (Rural Fire Service) will not support the new regulations. Which have also been described as "repugnant" by President Katzmann (NSW Bar Association), and "extreme" by President Murphy (NSW Council of Civil Liberties).
There have been some positive attempts to placate these laws. Several protesting groups have been directly advised to inform the New South Wales Police of their actions, so they can be sanctioned. It was reported on 2nd July 2008 on the television program Lateline, that Broken Rites, an Australian activist group against church sexual abuse (advising on the legal rights of victims) had been approached. According to their General Manger, Ms. Chris McIsaacs, they have; "already received a visit by the N.S.W. Police". She said they were specifically asked about ; "... what sort of T-shirts you're gonna wear, are you gonna take placards, all of that kind of thing", and these "had to be known in advance so they can be approved".
Contradicting these statements, Kristina Keneally, the Government's WYD 2008 Spokeswoman, said; "Police are not asking protesters to clear the text of their signs, their banners, their placards, or their T-shirts." Danny Casey, the chief operating officer of representing World Youth Day 2008, said that "...these are normal powers, and that people are free to protest." It has also reported that Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Dave Owens, said that; "... officers would act reasonably when deciding what is offensive, including clothing." Owens later told ABC Radio "Police officers do it every day of the week. We're not the fashion police, we're not killjoys."
Presently, it remains somewhat unclear about the actual position of protesters and their actual legal obligations in their activities during World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.
Australian Community Protests
This new legislation continues to be heavily criticised by several civil rights and legal groups, who suggest that members of the public may more likely be arrested or fined - especially if they engaging in wearing irreverent or blasphemous t-shirts or handing out condoms.
Other specific protests stated to be planned against World Youth Day have said they will be using anti-Catholic or anti-World Youth Day slogans such as "Religion harms us by privileging faith over reason." and "Let's solve our problems by reasoning together with compassion, not dogma" and "Badly needed community services were robbed to pay the Pope".
Even an alleged anonymous death threat has been made against protesters. A Sydney small business owner who saw both a commercial and political opportunity by selling shirts printed with the word "annoying". He received death threats against himself and his family, as well as a threat to burn his shop, Bang-On T-shirts in Bondi Junction.
The Pope's visit to Sydney is also shaping up as an ideological clash of rival family planning methods. Anti-Pope demonstrators plan to hand out condoms to Catholic pilgrims in protest against the Vatican's opposition to artificial contraception.
There has also been more general religious opposition to World Youth Day on the grounds that it is a propoganda rally for the Catholic Church. Local activist groups, including atheist, freethinker, secular and gay rights groups under the banner NoToPope Coalition will be protesting at World Youth Day 2008 by, among other things, handing out information and providing free condoms to attendees . Other groups have various protests planned.
References
- Sydney wins Youth Day '08
- http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en/wyd08_events
- WYD08 :: Home :: Media :: Latest News :: Vatican officials confirm Pope Benedict will visit Mary MacKillop shrine
- 400,000 expected for sydney papal mass Sydney Morning Herald
- Pope likely to say sorry for abuse
- http://www.xt3.com/ xt3
- World Youth Day 2008 Embracing Telecommunications - WYD/ Telstra Press Release
- Cardinal Pell launches 'Catholic Facebook'. NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on Dec 12, 2008.
- 200,000 meat pies for WYD. NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on June 8, 2008.
- Blessing to buy papal souvenirs . NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on July 5, 2008.
- George Pell at the National Press Club
- about WYD08
- Interview with Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Australia - National Catholic Reporter
- WYD visa numbers below expectations - ABC News
- world youth day 2008 confirms international pilgrim numbers
- World Youth Day: costs up, benefits down - NSW Greens
- Almighty cost of hosting pilgrims - Sydney Morning Herald
- Keep out if you're not a pilgrim - Sydney Morning Herald
- "Racing industry offered payout for Pope". The West Australian. November 15, 2007.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - World Youth Day reaches agreement with racing industry
- http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/who_should_fund_world_youth_day__550744
- "('FoI') applications for Government revenue estimates of WYD 2008 have been denied"
- http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/who_should_fund_world_youth_day__550744
- World Youth Day Amendment Regulation 2008 (NSW Bar Association)
- Thou shalt not annoy or trespass Sydney Morning Herald
- World Youth Day Amendment Bill 2007 - NSW State Parliament
- Strip searches okayed for WYD - The Australian
- http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/world-youth-day-crackdown/801188.aspx
- Volunteers refuse WYD powers
- Volunteers spurn Youth Day powers
- Volunteers reject Youth Day powers
- Volunteers spurn Youth Day powers
- "Sydney-siders face 'unreasonable interference' during World Youth Day"
- "Youth Day powers an 'affront to freedom'"
- Youth Day condom protest against Pope - Sydney Morning herald
- "Thou shalt not annoy on Youth Day"
- CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4, General Comment No. 22., 1993
- These anti-annoyance laws are Papal Bull
- Catholics split on freedom to annoy - Sydney Morning Herald
- Venue Fact Sheet Randwick Racecourse
- Randwick Racecourse chosen for World Youth Day Papal Mass
- Suddenly, people turn shirty Sydney Morning Herald
- Freedom of Expression
- http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/ Lateline 1st July 2008
- http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2008/s2291401.htm Lateline 1st July 2008
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/01/2291053.htm ABC News (Aust
- http://search.abc.net.au/search/search.cgi?query=T-shirt+annoyance&collection=abcnews&form=news&num_ranks=20
- Volunteers spurn Youth Day powers
- World Youth Day crackdown
- Thou shalt not annoy on Youth Day
- Debate continues over Youth Day laws
- Fox News
- World Youth Day condom protest against Pope - Sydney Morning herald
- World Catholic Youth Day Action - Sydney Atheists
- http://www.smh.com.au/news/worldyouyouthday/faithful-get-annoyed-over-merchandise/2008/07/07/1215282747311.html
- Catholics to combat condom handout. NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on July 9, 2008.
- Protesters to attend WYD '08
External links
- Civil Liberties abolished to protect pilgrims
- Australian officials ban "annoying" behaviours in wake of Pope visit
- Official World Youth Day 2008 website
- World Youth Day Photo Slideshows, Themesongs and Small Movie (English/Dutch/German)
- World Youth Day condom protest against Pope
- Why are we coughing up for World Youth Day?
- Keep out if you're not a pilgrim
- Who's Paying for World Youth Day?
- Catholic Church's World Youth Day comes at a high cost
- Sydney Atheists
- The NoToPope Coalition
| World Youth Day events | |
|---|---|
 Pope John Paul II | |
 Pope Benedict XVI | |
 Pope Francis | |
| Planned | Seoul 2027 |
