Controversial nude teen pics banned

Australian police shut down a photographic art exhibition depicting naked teen girls amid controversy.

An unassuming building - but inside an art exhibition causing a storm of controversy before it has even opened.

And for its creator, attracting the wrong sort of viewers - the police.

Because Australian photographer, Bill Henson, has taken pictures of naked teenagers aged 12 and 13 provoking anger amongst those wanting to protect children from pedophiles and porn lovers.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and academic Clive Hamilton were outraged by the exhibition.

SOUNDBITE: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd saying: (English)

"I find them absolutely revolting. Kids deserve to have the innocence of their childhood protected. I have a very deep view of this and for God's sake let's just allow kids to be kids."

SOUNDBITE: Academic, Clive Hamilton, saying: (English)

"The exhibition sends the message that it is OK to see children in sexualised ways, even if this is an artistic exhibition. I mean it is consistent with the trend towards sexualising children at an ever younger age."

But the gallery's owner and some patrons felt relaxed about these issues.

SOUNDBITE: Gallery Owner, Rosyln Oxley, saying: (English)

"We have been showing Bill since 1990 and he has been doing similar shots and they have never offended people."

SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SAYING: (English)

"I think it means censorship in a democratic country."

The police have closed the exhibition and are carrying out an inquiry.

SOUNDBITE: Unidentified Australian police officer saying: (English)

"These inquiries include speaking to the subject of the photos and her parents. Once these inquiries have been made, a decision will be made on the future of the exhibition."

In media interviews ahead of the exhibition, the artist, Henson said he left interpretation of the images to audiences.

Penny Tweedie, Reuters.