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07/28/07-07/30/07

Gay artist burns antique $60,000 Koran

Charles Merrill, the out Palm Springs artist who recently gained notoriety for editing the Bible with a black marker and a pair of scissors, recently made a statement against Muslim homophobia by burning an antique Koran valued at $60,000. "The purpose of editing and burning Abrahamic Holy Books is to eliminate homophobic hate," Merrill stated in a press release posted online. "Both ancient books are terrorist manuals."

He inherited the book from his late wife, Evangeline Johnson Merrill—daughter of the founder of international pharmaceutical conglomerate Johnson & Johnson—who was given the valuable text by the king of Jordon during a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

"Airplanes are flown into buildings because of words, and hate crimes against gays," Merrill said in the press release.

Merrill, cousin to the cofounder of Merrill Lynch, has become famous—and at times infamous—through his art, which incorporates the themes of LGBT activism and homophobia. (The Advocate)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: L.B.Rainwater
    Date posted: 2009-04-29 1:25 AM
    Hometown: Fremont, CA

    Comment:

    What is so inspiring about this action? Because you are a wealthy person, you destroy an artifact that is valuable even if it has no value to you? What about selling it and giving the money to help poor kids or homeless people? Have you no charity that would benefit from receiving this money? What you proved is that rich adults can have an expensive, childish tantrum. This article does not describe any desecration to the Jewish Torah. Is it serendipity that you showed respect for this Holy Book? How did it happen to escape your wrath?


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