Vandals Desecrate Sexpo Billboards; Organizers Turn Other Cheek

AUSTRALIA—According to a prepared announcement issued by the Australian Sex Party, vandals have expressed their opposition to sexual expression by desecrating two Sexpo billboards in the weeks leading up to the Melbourne Sexpo, which takes place Nov. 24-27. “A large banner across the Tullamarine Fwy and a standard billboard on High St Preston were both slashed with a sharp object on Wednesday night amid the chaos of the storm front that hit Melbourne,” stated the announcement. “Sexpo organizers have replied to the attacks in a Christian manner by turning the other cheek and offering the perpetrators a free stand to publicize their beliefs to Sexpo patrons.” The perp(s) have yet to be identified, but Sexpo GM Rob Godwin speculated that the “culprits” might be from the same group that previously objected to Sexpo billboards before the House of Representatives Committee on Billboards and Outdoor Advertising. “The list of objectors to Sexpo billboards was shrill and virulent in their condemnation of people’s rights to advertise a sexually based trade fair in any way at all,” said Godwin. “These people should have the courage of their convictions to take them to the 60,000 people who will attend Sexpo and they should hear what the patrons say. Not taking up our offer will show cowardice and a lack of belief in their position.” Australian Sex Party President Fiona Patten also weighed in on the vandalism, saying the attacks were indicative of a more intolerant Australia. “Racial, sexual, religious and lifestyle intolerance are increasing in Australia as more politicians seek to stamp their personal views on the people they represent. These attacks on sex and lifestyle choices by religious and feminist extremists are a concern for the future direction of Australia.” Patten also supported the show's attempt to bring the unknown miscreants into the fold, saying that when freedom of speech and expression is under attack the best response is one that offers more freedom rather than less. “We will not prosecute those who damaged the signs and there will be no reprisals, only the chance for these people to increase their free speech opportunities," she said.