The Sydney Opera House is a 'symbol of Australia' — but its sails can be at the centre of division – ABC News

The Sydney Opera House is a 'symbol of Australia' — but its sails can be at the centre of division
It's one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and is affectionately known as "The People's House".
But over the years, the Sydney Opera House has also become a site of numerous political and social debates; almost always about what appears on its white sails.
While art installations are often projected for significant moments, political messaging has also been appearing with more frequency in recent years.
This week, the New South Wales government decided to illuminate the sails with the colours of the Israeli flag, in condemnation of the murder of civilians during surprise weekend attacks from Hamas militants.
Israeli forces responded by launching a barrage of rocket fire on Gaza.
The decision to light up the sails in blue and white prompted a protest from supporters of the Palestinian freedom movement, with organisers claiming the move was "hypocritical".
Premier Chris Minns has stood by his decision to light up the sails, saying not doing so would have sent the opposite message.
"Like every other capital city in Australia, we wanted to send a message of solidarity to those innocent victims of Hamas terrorism in Israel," he said.
He pointed out the same gesture was done during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"I don't want and I don't think it's appropriate for the Jewish community in New South Wales to believe that there's anything other than complete revulsion at those murders," he said.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, however, criticised the decision, saying the sails should only be illuminated for "solemn, solitary, occasions".
"We're a multicultural community; we have large Muslim communities, Jewish communities, people from Israel, people from Palestine," she said.
"I don't think we should do one or the other. I think we should be supportive of both our communities who are going through a terrible time."
The lord mayor said a peace dove on the sails would be "much more appropriate".
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he understood the NSW government's decision to illuminate the iconic venue was done as a sign of solidarity.
"From time to time, it's controversial when it's lit up; but it is a symbol of Australia," he told ABC Radio Sydney.
One of the most significant moments the Opera House was caught up in political debate was in 2003. 
In the lead-up to the Iraq war, protesters scaled its exterior and painted the words "NO WAR" in giant red lettering at the top of the largest sail. 
In May, the prime minister faced backlash after requesting the Indian flag be cast on the sails to coincide with a visit from the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Modi is a polarising figure in his homeland, which is gripped by tensions over the proposal to create an independent Sikh state.
At the time of his visit, some Indian community groups in Australia declared they would not welcome his visit and urged the Australian government to press Mr Modi on human rights issues.
It came just months after Mr Minns rejected calls to light up the landmark to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III.
Part of his rationale at the time was the estimated cost of projecting the royal cipher; a move that was criticised by monarchists.
Recently the sails shone green and gold to support the Matildas during the FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, and yellow and blue to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
A bitter public spat broke out in 2018 between the management of the opera house and the former Coalition state government after a controversial decision to promote a horse race using the landmark.
Chief executive Louise Herron originally rejected the concept, saying it was "not a billboard", but eventually the parties came to an agreement.
The government was later criticised by the Heritage Council which said the UNESCO World Heritage site should not be used for commercial advertising.
More than a thousand protesters disrupted the event by shining bright torches onto the sails in an effort to block out the projections.
The ABC approached the Sydney Opera House for comment.
Previously, management said it was working on an updated sail's lighting policy to "prevent overuse", including greater clarity about the type and frequency of projections.
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