Honi Soit, the student publication of the University of Sydney, would finally be distributed to its students after the latest issue was pulled out. The reason behind the sudden withdrawal last week of 4,000 copies of the newspaper was that the cover photo is that of 18 close-up vaginas.

Source: YouTube screen capture

The vulvas were supposed to be covered by black bars, but the bars were transparent and placed the university at risk of being charged with a criminal offence.

The university instructed the Honi Soit editors to remove the covers for them to be able to redistribute the newspaper which were removed from stands. As a compromise, the editors and the university agreed to retain the controversial and provoking cover, but seal the newspapers individually in plastic packaging and place the label "R 18+" so the offensive images won't be easily seen by younger students.

The newspaper would not return to the stands but could be picked up at the Student Representative Council office. However, it would be given only to students aged 18 and above, who must show proof of age.

The edition has earned the tag Vagina Soit edition, with people even from overseas requesting the university for a copy, said editor Hannah Ryan.

"I've heard that people have been having conversations with their friends about how we see vaginas, and we've received loads of messages from people thanking us," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ms Ryan.

The university, Australia's oldest, has been publishing the student newspaper since 1929.