Springer case dismissed by Lords

The opera featured Jesus, Mary and God as talk show guests

The House of Lords has refused to hear a petition of appeal brought by a Christian activist group trying to prosecute the BBC for blasphemy.

Christian Voice had sought to overturn a High Court ruling that prevented it bringing a case against the BBC for screening Jerry Springer - The Opera.

But the petition failed because it did "not raise an arguable point of law of general public importance".

Christian Voice called the decision an "ignoble move".

"It brings down the judgement of God on us all," said Stephen Green, national director of the evangelical lobby group.

"I love my neighbour and I do not want that to happen."

Harvey Keitel appeared in a New York production last month

The case goes back to January 2007, when Mr Green launched his action against BBC director general Mark Thompson and Jerry Springer producer Jon Thoday.

The case was refused by the City of Westminster magistrates court, a decision upheld by the High Court last December.

Mr Green had argued the musical - a satirical version of Springer's US talk show - contained images that "vilify God and the Bible".

The show was recently staged at New York's Carnegie Hall, with actor Harvey Keitel in the title role.