Christiofascism?

In my post on Friday about the rise of the Christian Right in this country I opined, "Christian Voice were able to kick up quite a stink about the Jerry Springer Opera, but as yet their influence is limited." It turns out that I might have been understating that influence. The Sunday Times today reports that the Arts Council has decided not to fund a nationwide tour of the show, prompting "accusations that the funding body has bowed to pressure from Christian fundamentalists." Sure, Jerry Springer the Opera may not seem the most important battleground for free speech, but I fear this represents the thin end of the wedge; they've tasted blood and they'll be back for more.

Thinking about the implications of this and related developments I wish to suggest a new meme, which may go some way to countering the growth of groups like Christian Voice. The term "Islamofascism" has become a popular (if inconsistently used) term for describing Islamic extremism. I would like to suggest that we now start referring to Christian fundamentalists as Christiofascists in order to emphasise the parallels. Sure, it's unlikely to catch on, but at least I've had the chance to get something of my chest.