9 July 2012 The UK’s Advertising Standard’s Authority is required to prohibit UK advertisements causing “serious or widespread offence”. However in our sexualised and pornographied world the limits of offense are high and wide, meaning unacceptable advertisements which objectify women and girls remain the norm. This is a human rights issue. Not the right to freedom of expression of advertisers, but rights such as to health, freedom from discrimination, and the right to be free from violence and abuse.
We have to force the advertising industry to be what it prides itself on being – creative. Being creative in exploring equitable, respectful and positive ways to represent gender, identity and youth. Read Elizabeth’s full speech made at the House of Commons.
