Sign strikes horror in Mormons

SIGN ON THE MOVE: This billboard at Temple View will be replaced. (KELLY SCHICKER/Waikato Times)

Temple's rocky view

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3862997a6004,00.html

16 November 2006
By MARY ANNE GILL

A sign showing the Riff Raff statue advertising Rocky Horror Hamilton will be removed from Temple View after complaints from Mormons.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints member Tony McKenna said the sign was a "blot on the landscape" at the top of a hill just below the temple, which was seen as a spiritual place for church members and Maori.

"It (the sign) glorifies homosexual sub-culture," Mr McKenna said.

Residents' association spokesman Arnold Stoneley said the sign was inappropriate outside the temple.

"Rocky Horror is contrary to our gospel principles," Mr Stoneley said.

Hamilton City Council marketing manager Philip Burton said the billboard seemed to be one of the more popular ones in a series produced to promote the city because it was "getting nicked" all the time.

"We've got a suite of them (billboards) -- we try to make them topical. But we don't want people feeling uncomfortable about it."

It would be removed within a fortnight, Mr Burton said.

Another sign, advertising Hamilton's concert links, would remain.