00:02A stoush over a Christmas pageant revealing a rift between two levels of government.
00:07We got a message yesterday saying, is the city of Darwin just the NT government's boxing bag right now?
00:12Do you feel that way?
00:13Oh, yeah, you'd put it that way.
00:16Every time there's some sort of an issue that they want to divert attention from, they come and punch us.
00:21The Darwin Lord Mayor hitting back after Events Minister Marie-Claire Boothby
00:26rubbished the council's decision to deny a request from the March for Jesus group
00:30to participate in the city's Christmas event.
00:33In a statement, she described the decision as un-Australian
00:36and said the government will take back control of the event next year to ensure it is run properly.
00:43The mayor says comments like this one at last year's Christmas pageant
00:46are part of the reason the group's request was denied.
00:49We come against every false teaching, every false ideology,
00:54every demonic thing that's been penetrating with the kids these days.
00:57He also alleges members of the group threw merchandise at children.
01:02It's appalling.
01:03We make no apologies for putting the safety and enjoyment of Darwin families first
01:06and protecting those young kids from intimidating behaviour.
01:09The NT director of the Australian Christian Lobby says after watching last year's event on YouTube,
01:15he believes it's unlikely Mr Stiles' claims are true.
01:20Peacefully walking down the street, playing gospel music, handing out gospels
01:25and repeatedly saying over the microphone that Jesus loves you.
01:30I mean, it's beautiful.
01:32And despite his criticisms, Peter Stiles says the council is now negotiating with the March for Jesus group.
01:38Will you let them participate in this year's parade as the NT government has said you should?
01:43Absolutely.
01:43Right, so they're allowed back in the parade?
01:46Provided that they follow the rules and regulations.
01:49Marching for Jesus or not, the pageant will go ahead on November 14th.
01:56They're three quarters away.
