Arts venue faces eviction from former Sydney church after religious groups protest LGBTQ+ events

<p>Landlord of deconsecrated building sends notice of breach to Divine Playhouse, claiming it ‘insulted and mocked’ beliefs of Christian Australians</p><ul><li><p><a href="http://theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jul/14/australia-news-live-nt-police-peter-falconio-anthony-albanese-ai-artificial-intelligence-copyright-antisemitism-royal-commission-bondi-universities-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>A deconsecrated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/sydney">Sydney</a> church newly transformed into an arts venue hosting LGBTQ+ events has been ordered to stop “engaging in offensive trade” by its landlord after religious groups protested against its opening night.</p><p>Divine Playhouse opened last Wednesday with the intention of being a safe and inclusive space for artists to work and connect with audiences, its organiser said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/14/divine-playhouse-lgbtq-events-cancelled-sydney-church">Continue reading...</a>