A Vienna exhibition featuring a transgender Madonna and a crucified frog has sparked considerable outrage. At the centre of the debate is a double standard: Christianity may be mocked with impunity, while everyone treads carefully when it comes to Islam.

The Exxpress newspaper’s podcast featured a discussion between youth researcher Bernhard Heinzlmaier and school principal Christian Klar on the subject, focusing on the limits of artistic freedom and the double standards applied to different religions, after the exhibition titled Create an Image for Yourself displayed, among other things, a transgender Madonna, a cross fitted with latex studs and a crucified frog.

Die Ausstellung „Du sollst dir ein Bild machen“ im Wiener Künstlerhaus zeigt unter anderem ein Werk, in dem die Gottesmutter in einer Pietá-Szene mit transgeschlechtlichen Merkmalen dargestellt ist, was von Medien und Initiativen als „Maria als Transfrau“ beschrieben wird.… pic.twitter.com/C5NMp7EQtY

— CHRISTKÖNIGTUM (@christkoenigtum) December 1, 2025

For Christian Klar, one thing is clear: “This is not about art, but about ethical responsibility.” In his view, artists deliberately mock Christianity while remaining silent about Islam out of fear.

“The reason Christianity is mocked is that there are no consequences to be feared. But no one dares speak out against Islam,”

– he added. According to Mr. Heinzlmaier, this attitude endangers Western freedom of expression, and he put it this way:

“Those who caricature Mohammed risk their lives. Those who mock Jesus can stage an exhibition at the Kunstlerhaus.”

He also added that fear surrounding Islam has long permeated the media, politics — and even the justice system. Mr. Heinzlmaier sees this as a symptom of a submissive public: people allow themselves to be intimidated — and they treat religions according to the perceived degree of danger they pose, rather than according to democratic principles.