LONDON -- A Christian lobbying group has launched legal action against the British Broadcasting Corp. over its television broadcast of a profanity-laden musical about U.S. talk show host Jerry Springer.
By airing the January program, the BBC discriminated against Christians and violated its charter, in which it promises to avoid material "that offends against good taste or decency," the Christian Institute said in a complaint filed Thursday at Britain's High Court.
"I think this is the most offensive and spiteful show ever broadcast by the BBC," institute Director Colin Hart said in an interview.
"Jerry Springer -- The Opera" had been on the London stage for several years when it was shown uncut on the BBC. It features Jesus, Mary and God as guests on Springer's television show and includes hundreds of offensive words. Jesus is shown wearing diapers and engaging the Devil in a swearing match.
"There may be many shows running in West End theaters that I find offensive, but I am not paying for them to be pumped into my living room," Hart said.
