Glasgow city councillors have agreed to overturn a ban imposed almost thirty years ago on Monty Python's The Life of Brian, to allow film to be screened in September at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

In 1980 the committee ruled that the film could be shown only under an X certificate at Glasgow cinemas, rather than the AA certificate, analogous to the modern 'PG' rating given at the time by the BBFC.

The film depicts the misadventures of Brian, a "very naughty boy" in 1st Century Palestine.

Willie O'Rourke, vice-convener of the licensing and regulatory committee, said: "This is the first application we've received to show Monty Python's Life Of Brian since the first request back in 1980. Life Of Brian has been broadcast on television over the years and is now widely available on DVD. The world, and people's attitudes, have moved on in the last 30 years so I believe the committee made the right decision today."

Glasgow local authorities have historically shown a somewhat eccentric attitude to aspects of religion and religious expression under its control.