Darwin council bans Christian group from Christmas pageant over past conduct
Darwin City Council rejected March for Jesus from the 2026 pageant. They cited intimidating behaviour that the group denies.
Darwin City Council rejected the Christian group March for Jesus from this year's Christmas Pageant. They cited "intimidating and confronting" behaviour at last year's event.
Council chief executive Simone Saunders said staff got complaints about what group members did. They threw merchandise at people who didn't want it.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said participants told people "God is coming for your children because they've been demonised". The group denies the claims.
The Australian Christian Lobby says they filmed the event. They have evidence they were well-behaved.
The rejection sparked backlash from the NT government. The government said it will take over the pageant from 2027.
It will do this to "ensure it is run properly". Styles countered that the government has no power to do so.
- March for Jesus
- Group rejected
- 2026
- Pageant year
- From 2027
- Government takeover planned
- Simone Saunders
- Council chief executive
Why it mattersA council decision about who can join community events has triggered a government takeover threat. This raises questions about religious inclusion and who runs public celebrations.
AustraliaNT Christmas pageant planning now contested between Darwin City Council and the Northern Territory government, affecting how religious groups can participate in community events.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
