Gayllipoli?!

Melbourne's Gay and Lesbian magazine 'MCV' has, this week, ruffled a few feathers at the Shrine!

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In accordance with the Shrine of Remembrance regulations, it is an offence to use an image of the Shrine or it's monuments without the authorisation of the Shrine trustees. This is to prevent the Shrine from being associated with any inappropriate organisations etc or it being portrayed in a negative fashion.

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Issue no.327 of 'MCV', which 'came out' on the 12th April 2007, has a full page spread promoting a gay night club ( The Peel ) which will be open on the eve of ANZAC day until dawn.

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The advert pictures a Shrine guard standing to attention in ceremonial uniform with a 'buff', naked man wearing only an Australian army 'slouch' hat. It appears as if the man is looking down at his genitalia. The word 'ANZAC' is used, as is the Australian Army badge! To make matters worse the advert concludes with a mis-quote of the famous 'Lest we Forget'.

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Channel Ten ran with the story on it's evening news and stated that the RSL ( Returned Serviceman's League ) was horrified by the magazine's contents and were demanding an apology from the magazine's editor, Richard Watts. The Shrine of Remembrance's CEO, Mr Denis Baguley, was also equally offended and has hinted that the Shrine may attempt to prosecute the magazine using the Shrine of Remembrance act and it's regulations. If successful, the magazine will have to pay a paltry fine of $200.

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The Shrine Guard pictured in the magazine was unavailable for comment but a close source has said that he was deeply upset by his association with a gay and lesbian magazine, and wanted to make it public knowledge that he is not a homosexual.