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Wednesday, 5 March 2008, 12:14 GMT

Springer case dismissed by Lords

David Soul in Jerry Springer - The Opera 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 in Jerry Springer - The Opera 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.



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Related to this story:
Springer opera court fight fails (05 Dec 07 |  Entertainment )
Springer show judgement reserved (22 Nov 07 |  Entertainment )
Court battle over Springer show (20 Nov 07 |  Entertainment )
Christian denies anti-gay charge (06 Sep 06 |  South East Wales )
Church protest at Springer show (02 May 06 |  Tyne )

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Jerry Springer - The Opera
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