"Exorcist" banned to spare Christians offence

The Victoria state government has banned screenings of "The Exorcist" on Good Friday for fear the film may cause offence to Christians.

The government in Victoria state banned screenings of "The Exorcist" on Good Friday for fear the film may cause offence to Christians.

Many cinemas had planned to show a new director's cut of the classic 1973 horror flick about efforts to drive demons out of a young girl on Friday, April 13 – Good Friday.

Under state law, no cinema can show films on Christmas Day or Good Friday without a permit, and the government has chosen not to issue a permit for "The Exorcist," a state spokesman said.

"The government has decided not to issue a permit for the screening of 'The Exorcist' on Good Friday for fear it may cause offence given the nature of the day," the spokesman said.

The Good Friday ban only affects Victoria and the film will be shown in all other Australian states.