Scottish Catholic Observer

A Scottish arts funding body has come under fire for awarding thousands of pounds to a controversial study of the Bible.

Creative Scotland has given a grant of £10,000 to a poet to explore ‘issues of transgender’ in the Bible.

The Government-funded body, which has an annual budget of £35 million, has given the funds to Jo, formerly John, Clifford (above), who sparked huge protests in Glasgow last year over her play Jesus Queen of Heaven about a transgender Christ.

She has been now given public funds to write poetry that ‘explores the issues of transgender in the Old and New Testament.’

Labour MSP Hugh Hendry has tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament calling on Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop to prevent such actions being repeated.

“Transgender issues are very sensitive but I can’t see how we can justify grants to look at them in the Bible. I can’t see what the relevance is,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with promoting the arts and culture but I have just met with parents who are complaining that cuts are removing teachers from the classroom. Ministers will need to get a grip on this.”

Andrew Dixon, Creative Scotland chief executive, said he stood behind the decision to fund the project.

“Scotland is recognised internationally for its outstanding creative strengths and it is essential that we maintain our investment in programmes and projects that allow talented and creative people with a proven track record to take well-judged risks,” he said. “Every £1 invested in culture generates £6 back into the Scottish economy.”