‘Take down crosses’

A PETITION with more than 17,000 signatures calling for the removal of Dark Mofo’s inverted crosses has been presented to the Hobart City Council.

Four 20m-high crosses were erected across the Hobart waterfront to mark the path between Dark Mofo’s Winter Feast at Princes Wharf No.1 and the Dark Park art playground at Macquarie Point.

The inverted crosses have drawn the ire of Christian groups. Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie said he understood the concerns, but council’s role had just been to ensure they were structurally sound.

A PETITION with more than 17,000 signatures calling for the immediate removal of the inverted crosses across Hobart has been tabled before Hobart City Council.

Four 20m-high crosses were erected across the Hobart waterfront, to mark the path between Dark Mofo’s Winter Feast at Princes Wharf No. 1 and the Dark Park art playground at Macquarie Point.

The inverted crosses have drawn the ire of Christian groups across Australia.

The petition was started on Change.org.au on June 11 and has garnered more than 17,000 signatures.

The petition called on Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie to bring down the crosses.

“We are asking you to arrange to immediately remove the inverted crosses that were erected by Dark Mofo around Hobart for the Winter Festival,” it reads.

“Whatever their intention, the consequence of these cross- es are harmful, hurtful, and frankly, a waste of public funds.

“The cross is a deeply meaningful and important symbol for all Christians in this nation, and indeed across the world.

“Other religions would not tolerate this type of demeaning behaviour and we request that you immediately have them removed as a sign of respect.”

The petitioner, Rebecca Jones of Brisbane, said she had lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commissioner.

Alderman Christie said the petition would be sent to committee for officers to review.

“That’s protocol and normal,” he said.

“It’s a private event organised by Dark Mofo

“Our involvement with the structures was to make sure they had a building surveyor look at them and that they were structurally sound.

“But I can understand the concerns of our Christian society.”

Mona owner David Walsh has previously defended the use of the inverted crosses.

“Firstly, St Peter was crucified upside down,” Walsh said.

“Why? Because he didn’t want to be like Jesus. So maybe all the churches that have upthe-right-way crosses are blasphemers.”

A counter petition, with more than 200 signatures, is calling for the inverted crosses to be made a permanent fixture in Hobart.