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NSS: Ban on ad that may offend Christians resembles blasphemy code

NSS: Ban on ad that may offend Christians resembles blasphemy code


An advert for a tour by Scottish comedian Fern Brady has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over concerns it may offend Christians.

The advert (pictured), which is a parody of the 17th century religious painting ‘The Lactation of St Bernard’, depicts Brady squirting breast milk into the mouth of a religious figure.

The National Secular Society said the decision resembles a “modern-day blasphemy code”.

An anonymous complainant told the ASA the advert, displayed on Sky’s website, was “offensive” because it “mocked the Christian faith”.

In its ruling, the ASA said the advert was likely to be seen as depicting Mary, “a highly revered individual in the Christian tradition”, breastfeeding “an adult holy figure in a church setting”.

The ASA acknowledged that Brady’s reenactment of the painting was “selected for comic effect”.

But it said particular care “must be taken to avoid causing offence” on certain grounds, including “religion or belief”.

The ASA concluded the ad was likely to be seen as “mocking the religious figures shown”, and was likely to cause “serious offence” to some within the Christian faith. It said it cannot be shown again.

Brady was also warned “to take care not to cause offence on the ground of religions in future ads”.

Brady, who had a religious upbringing, thanked the complainant for helping to generate publicity for the tour.

Blasphemy laws in England and Wales were repealed in 2008. Blasphemy remains a common law offence in Northern Ireland. It was only repealed as a crime in Scotland earlier this year with the implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order Act.

NSS: ‘Decision sets a chilling precedent that resembles modern-day blasphemy code’

National Secular Society chief executive Stephen Evans said: “‘The decision to ban this advert, along with the warning issued to Fern Brady, sets a chilling precedent that resembles a modern-day blasphemy code.

“It implies that the feelings of religious groups should trump the rights of individuals to creatively express their thoughts and ideas.

“Rulings like this pander to religious reactionaries and infantilise Christians by presuming offence on their behalf. We urge the ASA to reconsider its stance and to uphold the principles of freedom of expression.”

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