Council rules Bullard skits on pedophile priests ok

ArtsCanada

OTTAWA - Skits on CTV's Open Mike with Mike Bullard about pedophilia in the Catholic priesthood did not violate broadcast standards, a council said Tuesday.

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council ruled the sketches were fair satire on "matters of public interest."

Some viewers, including the Catholic Civil Rights League, filed several complaints with the council. They said the skits were discriminatory and stereotyped Catholic priests.

The broadcast code of ethics states programs cannot contain any abusive or discriminatory material based on religion.

Although the council said some individuals may have felt discomforted by the skits, the code was not breached.

In one sketch Bullard says he's stopped boys from hanging outside the studio by hiring Catholic priests. The scene then cuts to two actors outside.

Another skit showed priests trying to hand out candy to boys and admiring them as they walk by.

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