Darwin council bans Jesus march group from Christmas pageant
Darwin City Council rejected a Christian group's application to march in the November 14 Christmas pageant over alleged intimidating conduct.
City of Darwin rejected the March for Jesus group's request to join the November Christmas pageant. The council cited the group's conduct at the 2025 event: intimidating chanting and hostile behaviour that drew complaints.
Witnesses reported the group offered items that were refused and then thrown at a child. The Australian Christian Lobby called the ban unfair.
It said the group was sharing the gospel and handing out biblical texts, not selling goods. Council chief executive Simone Saunders disagreed.
She said other faith groups are participating, so the ban is about behaviour, not religion. Council staff are still working with the group to see if it can follow pageant rules.
- November 14
- Pageant date
- 1 out of 30 at 2025 event
- Previous floats with complaints
- Simone Saunders
- Council chief executive
Why it mattersThe dispute tests where councils draw the line between welcoming all communities and protecting free religious speech and assembly.
AustraliaThe outcome will affect how Australian councils manage religious groups' participation in public events and community festivals.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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