LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Former Sydney Church Faces Funding Withdrawal Call
The Prodigal Sons has called on the NSW Government to withdraw public funding for a LGBTQ+ nightlife venue operating in a former Sydney church, citing concerns over religious respect and cultural heritage.
Harry Taruva 
Sydney — Australian Christian brotherhood, The Prodigal Sons, has called on the New South Wales Government to immediately withdraw taxpayer-funded cultural grants supporting a nightlife venue operating from a former church in Sydney's central business district, arguing the project disrespects Christian heritage and reflects a double standard in the treatment of religious sites.
The organisation announced its position in a media release issued on Saturday, July 11, saying it opposes the conversion of the 158-year-old former church building at 420 Kent Street into what it describes as an LGBTQIA+ nightlife venue.
The Prodigal Sons said it believes government-backed funding for the venue should be suspended, claiming public money should not be used to support projects that mock religious faith.
The group said the venue receives support through NSW Government arts initiatives, including Create NSW and Sound NSW, and noted that opening season events have also been supported alongside the City of Sydney Council.
A spokesperson for the brotherhood argued that historic churches should continue to be regarded as places of significant religious and cultural importance.
"An old church is not just an empty building, and our sacred traditions are not forms of cheap entertainment," the spokesperson said.
The group contends that comparable conversions of former mosques, synagogues or Buddhist temples into adult-themed entertainment venues would not receive public funding or broader community acceptance.
It argues that Christian heritage should receive the same level of cultural respect afforded to other religious traditions.
The Prodigal Sons also said it is considering legal action under Australia's anti-discrimination framework, alleging that some marketing associated with events at the venue may amount to serious contempt or ridicule of Christianity.
The organisation did not indicate if any legal proceedings have been filed so far.
The brotherhood announced plans to stage what it describes as a peaceful public witness and prayer rally opposite the venue on Friday, July 17, from 6pm to 7pm Sydney time.
More than 500 people from various religious backgrounds have pledged to attend, the organisation said.
The Prodigal Sons said the demonstration will call for equal respect for Christian, Islamic, Jewish and Buddhist places of worship and urge governments to refrain from supporting projects that it believes diminish religious heritage.
Founded as an Australian-based Christian brotherhood and public ministry, The Prodigal Sons says its mission is to encourage Christian discipleship, public witness and community prayer while promoting what it describes as foundational Christian values.
