Julia Gillard TV sex scene causes outrage in Oz

A NEW Australian political satire has caused outrage by depicting the Prime Minister having sex on the floor of her office while draped in the national flag. Members of parliament and even monarchists are scandalised by the scene from At Home With Julia, a four-part comedy series about the fictional private lives of the Australian prime minister, Julia Gillard, and her partner Tim Mathieson.
 
The show, featuring lookalikes, has received mixed reviews since it premiered on ABC two weeks ago, but its ratings might receive a boost when the offending episode airs tomorrow night.

At a joint party meeting in Canberra a National Party MP, John Forrest, earlier today condemned the scene. "Having sex in the Prime Minister's office under the Australian flag is the last straw for me," Forrest told the meeting. "It is sick, I'm offended and we should take a stand."

Other MPs accused the public broadcaster of squandering public money and condemned the programme for degrading the office of prime minister.

David Flint, head of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, said it showed a lack of respect to the national flag, which features the stars of the Southern Cross and Britain's Union Jack in one corner. He told the Australian media: "I think a bit more discretion when using the flag is appropriate, even when you are trying to make a joke".
 
But some couldn't see what the fuss was about. Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop said if people didn't like the show they could change channels.
 
Nevertheless, the controller of ABC television, Brendan Dahill, felt obliged to defend the scene, saying: "If it's OK for others to drape themselves in our flag, I really don't see why it can't be draped over our Prime Minister as a symbol of love". ·