Mayor of London Bans "Gay Cure" Bus Ads - Christian Groups Say "ZOMG Fite Teh Cenzorship!"
Boris 'To Be Sued' Over Gay Cure Advert Ban
A Christian group is taking legal action against Mayor of London Boris Johnson after he banned bus advertisements suggesting gay people could be cured.
The posters, by the Core Issues Trust , stated: "Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!"
The adverts were backed by Anglican Mainstream, a global group that says it is committed to the traditional biblical teaching on marriage, the family and human sexuality.
It is understood that organisation has instructed solicitors after the banning of the campaign.
The poster was believed to mock pro-gay group Stonewall 's adverts that said: "Some people are gay. Get over it."
It was due to run for two weeks on the sides of vehicles serving main routes through the capital, including close to St Paul's Cathedral, Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.
But, after the campaign was labelled as homophobic, London Mayor Boris Johnson ordered it to be pulled.
Mr Johnson, who is standing for re-election next month, said: "London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance.
"It is clearly offensive to suggest being gay is an illness someone recovers from and I am not prepared to have that suggestion driven around London on our buses."
The doomed campaign, which was also backed and cleared by industry regulator the Advertising Standards Authority , claimed therapy could change sexual orientation.
It was due to run on London buses from Monday.
Core Issues' co-director Mike Davidson criticised the decision to axe the adverts, saying: "I didn't realise censorship was in place.
"We went through the correct channels and we were encouraged by the bus company to go through their procedures. They okayed it and now it has been pulled.
"I would be interested to know on what basis they have done that."
He added: "It is of deep concern that there can only be one point of view and that is the point of view of individuals who are determined to push through gay marriage and apparently believe that homosexuality cannot be altered in any possible way.
"That is not a universally held view.
"This is a disturbing development and it is disappointing the UK finds itself in this position."
But Stonewall spokesman Andy Wasley told Sky News he welcomed the move: "We are delighted by TfL's (Transport for London) clear commitment to diversity.
"It is fantastic that no adverts will be promoting voodoo, gay-cure therapy in London."
Sky News is hosting the first televised debate of the London Mayor campaign, with Mr Johnson, Labour candidate Ken Livingstone and Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Paddick, on April 19.
London Mayoral Candidates
:: Siobhan Benita (Independent)
:: Carlos Cortiglia (British National Party)
:: Boris Johnson (Conservative)
:: Jenny Jones (Green)
:: Ken Livingstone (Labour)
:: Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrats)
:: Lawrence Webb (UKIP)
(Source)
Why the hell would the Advertising Standards Authority approve this in the first place?
They have previously been prepared to ban adverts promising batshit religious cures. In the past they banned an advert which claimed that a ritual anointing could lead to the healing of a condition linked to the heart and lungs. So it's not obvious why the equally ridiculous medical claim described in the article above should be seen as an exception to their standards.
When looking through the tags I didn't think "free speech" was appropriate...
A Christian group is taking legal action against Mayor of London Boris Johnson after he banned bus advertisements suggesting gay people could be cured.
The posters, by the Core Issues Trust , stated: "Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!"
The adverts were backed by Anglican Mainstream, a global group that says it is committed to the traditional biblical teaching on marriage, the family and human sexuality.
It is understood that organisation has instructed solicitors after the banning of the campaign.
The poster was believed to mock pro-gay group Stonewall 's adverts that said: "Some people are gay. Get over it."
It was due to run for two weeks on the sides of vehicles serving main routes through the capital, including close to St Paul's Cathedral, Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.
But, after the campaign was labelled as homophobic, London Mayor Boris Johnson ordered it to be pulled.
Mr Johnson, who is standing for re-election next month, said: "London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance.
"It is clearly offensive to suggest being gay is an illness someone recovers from and I am not prepared to have that suggestion driven around London on our buses."
The doomed campaign, which was also backed and cleared by industry regulator the Advertising Standards Authority , claimed therapy could change sexual orientation.
It was due to run on London buses from Monday.
Core Issues' co-director Mike Davidson criticised the decision to axe the adverts, saying: "I didn't realise censorship was in place.
"We went through the correct channels and we were encouraged by the bus company to go through their procedures. They okayed it and now it has been pulled.
"I would be interested to know on what basis they have done that."
He added: "It is of deep concern that there can only be one point of view and that is the point of view of individuals who are determined to push through gay marriage and apparently believe that homosexuality cannot be altered in any possible way.
"That is not a universally held view.
"This is a disturbing development and it is disappointing the UK finds itself in this position."
But Stonewall spokesman Andy Wasley told Sky News he welcomed the move: "We are delighted by TfL's (Transport for London) clear commitment to diversity.
"It is fantastic that no adverts will be promoting voodoo, gay-cure therapy in London."
Sky News is hosting the first televised debate of the London Mayor campaign, with Mr Johnson, Labour candidate Ken Livingstone and Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Paddick, on April 19.
London Mayoral Candidates
:: Siobhan Benita (Independent)
:: Carlos Cortiglia (British National Party)
:: Boris Johnson (Conservative)
:: Jenny Jones (Green)
:: Ken Livingstone (Labour)
:: Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrats)
:: Lawrence Webb (UKIP)
(Source)
Why the hell would the Advertising Standards Authority approve this in the first place?
They have previously been prepared to ban adverts promising batshit religious cures. In the past they banned an advert which claimed that a ritual anointing could lead to the healing of a condition linked to the heart and lungs. So it's not obvious why the equally ridiculous medical claim described in the article above should be seen as an exception to their standards.
When looking through the tags I didn't think "free speech" was appropriate...