By Bob Reynolds
Some consider a statue of a female pirate scantily dressed in Schuylkill county inappropriate.
It has treasure and boots, tight fitting pants and some say not enough clothing on the top. The pirate statue sits in front of a antique store in Girardville and it's ruffling some feathers, especially those of a Roman Catholic priest.
"I believe that it's indecent. I guess it would categorized as soft porn. If there is a definition of that I would call it soft porn," said Father Edward Commolly.
He believes the statue is a public assault.
The statue has been moved back from the sidewalk, the owners said, because it's windy but on the day of a recent protest the pirate was standing in full view.
Father Commolly commanded the owners to remove it.
"He pointed to the statue and very dictatorially and said, 'I curse you. I curse this place. I want to see this destroyed. I want her destroyed,'" said pirate owner Peggy Kanigoski.
"Nor did I curse in the sense of putting a curse on them. In fact I did quite the opposite. I blessed them," Father Commolly said.
Some people are surpised about the controversy.
"I think it's art. I don't see nothing wrong with that," said Randy Smith of Girardville.
"I think there is worse on television, to tell you the truth. If they want to do anything they shouldn't worry about a statue, they should start on television," said Heidi Martin.
The priest said he won't let the matter drop. He might visit the statue and pray for it's removal.
The owners said it will remain, drawing potential customers to see their business on the busy main drag.
Copyright © 2009, WNEP-TV
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