DAKOTA FANNING - RELIGIOUS GROUP CAMPAIGNS TO BAN FANNING FILM

LATEST: A US religious group is demanding a global ban of controversial new movie HOUNDDOG, insisting it "celebrates" paedophilia. The film has sparked outrage following its premiere at Utah's Sundance Film Festival on Monday (22JAN07), because it features a graphic rape scene involving 12-year-old actress DAKOTA FANNING. Now the Catholic League For Religious And Civil Rights has organised a petition to have the film banned. BILL DONOHOE, the organisation's director, says, "How can we celebrate paedophilia in this so-called artistic way? "Five or six years ago this girl was on a tricycle. There has to be some line of decency which Hollywood will not cross." Hounddog's makers insist the scene is tastefully shot, with Fanning wearing a body suit and partially obscured by shadow. Fanning's mother JOY was present during filming.