Complaint that the broadcasting of a song titled “Vatican Rag” was totally derogatory to the beliefs of millions of Catholics in the world. Song dating from the 1960’s by satirist Tom Lehrer making mockery of beliefs, rituals and things sacred to Roman Catholics. No mention is made of God in the song. Complaint to be treated as hate speech based on religion. Complaint not passing the test of advocacy of hatred based on religion and constituting incitement to cause harm. No contravention of clause 4(2) of the Code of Conduct was found and the complaint was not upheld.
[2014] JOL 31228 (BCCSA)