Dissenting voices gagged as campaign adverts remain banned
House of Lords rejects pressure group’s challenge over “draconian UK censorship”
Amnesty International, amongst others, have roundly criticised the decision of the House of Lords to dismiss an appeal challenging controversial restrictions on political and campaigning advertising in the UK after a filmed advert about the use of primates was banned from being broadcast on television or radio.
The challenge, brought by pressure group Animal Defenders International, concerned the rights of campaign groups to use the broadcast media to create awareness and raise funds. At present UK law bans the broadcast of any advertisement which is an expression of opinion on a matter of controversy. Animal Defenders International argued that this sweeping ban is an unnecessary restriction on its right to freedom of expression.
Melvin Coleman of Amnesty International stated: “It is hugely disappointing that the Government’s rhetoric about encouraging and supporting a robust civil society comes to naught in the face of the Government’s own legislation. Amnesty International calls on the Government to take immediate steps to remove this unfair ban on our ability to use broadcast media to spread our message in the same way that the Government and big business freely do.”
The Lords’ decision, say campaigners, is highly disappointing and highlights a draconian and little known UK law that in effect censors the public voices of campaigning organisations and others dealing with controversial issues. Ecostorm-produced adverts, or Public Service Announcements (PSAs), have previously been subject to similar gagging clauses, with films only able to be broadcast via the Internet or at cinemas.
For the full Guardian coverage of the story, visit www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jul/24/animalrights.advertising
