THE Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has instructed marketers to “avoiding causing religious offence during Easter”.
It spells out nuances of offence: Jesus in a bunny costume is deemed acceptable as the advertiser had intended to “highlight the commercialisation of Easter”; not so the promotion of a sex toy with the words “res-erection”.
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We know the Christian Easter story is only one of many celebrations of rebirth at this time of year. Surely consumers who are “offended” by an advert will simply not buy the product?
The ASA is independent and follows guidance constructed by its sister company The Committee of Advertising Practice. Is it really the job of an independent standards agency to arbitrate on blasphemy?
Neil Barber
Edinburgh Secular Society
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