Egyptian authorities say they will ban the film The Da Vinci Code and confiscate copies of the best-selling novel it is based on because they insult religion.
Culture Minister Farouk Hosni made the announcement in the Egyptian parliament Tuesday. He spoke after a Coptic Christian lawmaker demanded the book and film be banned for containing offensive material.
The novel has been sold in Arabic translation in Egypt since 2003.
The film and book have sparked controversy around the world because in the fictional account of Jesus's life, he married Mary Magdalene and has descendants alive today.
Both Greece and India agreed to show the film after groups in those countries sought a ban.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
