Originally posted by Tink:
well when the Pope came down, with a huge congregation of people of all faiths, did you hear of any violence?
Now how many times do you see so many young people gather together in concert form, in the open like that with no trouble..?
Feedback was peaceful and the atmosphere was happy and friendly..
So you didn't see the "No to Pope Coalition" protest Tink?
You didn't see Sydney Gay Groups protesting against the Pope's Visit only 500 metres away from the World Youth Day official tent?
Even special legislation introduced by Government to muzzle protest against WYD was thwarted in the Federal Court.
Having said that It was good to see everyone have a good time but I am a bit miffed that my taxes were paying for it but not much more miffed than subsidising a Melbourne Grand Prix.
I did hear that many really enjoyed the event.......
A SYDNEY brothel is welcoming World Youth Day pilgrims, urging "potential sinners to commit their sins" before the Pope leaves Australia.
Xclusive Gentlemen's Club says it is hiring extra staff during the week-long Catholic event and has already noticed an increase in patronage.
The brothel, in Sydney's east, is only minutes from many WYD events and nearby Randwick Racecourse - the site of the papal mass with Pope Benedict XVI on June 20.
Xclusive said in a statement it was not targeting pilgrims, but would welcome everyone during WYD.
Up to 500,000 people, including more than 100,000 international pilgrims, are expected to flock to Sydney to WYD events, which run until July 20.
"Of course, any pilgrims who want to spend their money and experience the pleasures and delights that Xclusive gives Sydneysiders, are welcome.
"We had already anticipated the increase in demand and put on extra workers in anticipation.
"We are ready, willing and able, and have discreet credit card transaction service and a rear lane entrance. Mum will never know."
The brothel is also offering a 10 per cent discount to the more than 3,000 media with WYD accreditation.
Meanwhile, Catholic organisers say free condoms being handed to pilgrims will be a laugh, after a group vowed to distribute them.
The bishop in charge of organising the huge gathering in Sydney the national sexual health group’s actions would add comic relief to celebrations.
The Pope is a strident advocate of sex only after marriage, and leads the church’s position against artificial contraception such as condoms.
But Marie Stopes International said it wanted to promote safe sex among the pilgrims.
“World Youth Day is expected to attract up to 225,000 international and local youth and the simple fact is that many young people – including Catholics - have sex," Marie Stopes International spokeswoman Jill Michelson said.
A protest group, the NoToPope Coalition, is also planning to hand out condoms to pilgrims as they walk through Sydney's eastern suburbs on July 19
But World Youth Day co-ordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher said today the condoms would add a bit of humour to the event but he hoped the group would also respect the pilgrims' beliefs.
"It will probably be part of the comedy at times," he said.
Bishop Fisher also defended the right of people to protest the event and said heavy handed policing should not be necessary.
"It's a very open question whether such laws are necessary, given the powers the police already have," he said.
"The laws are a matter for government ... (but) we've said we don't think there'll be any need for fines or police action. I think our protesters, if there are any, are going to be very peaceable."
Bishop Fisher said the hostile reception some Sydneysiders were giving the World Youth Day event was confusing to pilgrims.
"It's a pity that sometimes there's been a lot of negativity in the air - some of our pilgrims are coming saying, `What's going on here? This is the most wonderful thing for your country and for your church, they should be happy like we are,'" he said.
World Youth Day activist Rachel Evans and her NoToPope Coalition associate Amber Pike are taking the New South Wales Government to court over the controversial laws prohibiting "annoyance" and are urging people to reclaim their right to protest.
www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24003622-661,00.html