Catholic activists hit out at Belfast cinema for screening ‘blasphemous’ lesbian nun movie on Good Friday

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Responding to news that the film is being distributed by Mubi, the Irish Society for Christian Civilisation – whose website shares its campaigns against abortion and gay marriage – called director Paul Verhoeven “a fraud”. And shame on the Queen’s Film Theatre in Belfast for permitting this showing at any time, but especially on this highly significant religious occasion.” The ISCC’s petition, which is addressed directly to the film’s producer and distributor Mubi, reads: “I strongly oppose and condemn your distribution and promotion of Paul Verhoeven’s film Benedetta. It offends God, and countless Catholics all over the world.” ‘Benedetta’ The petition states that the film “blasphemously features” “several Jesus-on-nun intense ‘make outs’”, “a statuette of Mary Most Holy used as a sex-toy”, and “voyeuristic lesbian nuns’ ‘pornography’”. The American Society for the Defence of Tradition, Family and Property gathered outside the film’s New York Film Festival premiere last year with signs calling the film “blasphemous”.