A Christian group that has threatened to protest outside the venue of the lifestyle expo, Sexpo in Cape Town on Friday had every right to do so, Sexpo organisers said on Sunday.

"The Christian Action Group says that they are unhappy about the staging of Sexpo in Cape Town... negatively commenting on the nature of the event. We welcome the difference of opinion offered by the Christian Action group," said organiser Silas Howarth.

In a message posted on www.earnedmedia.com, the Christian group described Sexpo as "degrading towards women"

"The Sexpo showcases perverse sex toys, pole dancing and pornography. This perpetuates a negative and destructive stereotype of women as sexual objects which, in some cases leads to an increase in the abuse of, and sexual violence against women," the group said.

Protesting outside the entrance of the Sexpo venue will be a means of "reminding customers that porn degrades, objectifies and exploits women and that women are precious and should be protected", the group said.

The protest according to Howarth was a move every South African had a right to.

"It is pleasing to see that freedom of expression is still robust in South Africa. Similarly, we are secure in the knowledge that the protesters will respect the rights of Sexpo and visitors to the event to have fun and enjoy an experience that celebrates an innate aspect of their humanity — our individual sexuality and the lifestyle aspects we as adults are free to enjoy," Howarth said.

He urged members of the Christian group to contact Sexpo organisers for a "guided tour through Sexpo".

Howarth lashed out at those he accused of vandalising their billboards, saying there was more advertising with "sexual content or nudity well beyond the boundaries that we have set for ourselves".

The defaced billboard was on the M2 near the airport, he said.

About 40 000 people are expected to attend the event.

Sapa

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