Pope blessing same sex marriage poster ‘not offensive’

Advert for Powerhouse electric, with a happy pope blessing gay marriageThe Advertising Standards Authority in New Zealand has ruled a poster showing Pope Benedict XVI standing behind two gay men exchanging wedding rings is not offensive.

Following only a small number of complaints the body decided it was unlikely to cause widespread offence.

The billboard poster campaign is the latest by electric provider Powershop who have in the past used illustrations of dictators Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong-il, seen performing kind acts rather than their famed horrors, to promote their services.

Of the latest, Pope-starring, advert for the company (pictured right) only four complaints were made to the Advertising Standards Authority. Those who did take to making their indignation heard suggested the poster ‘mocked Catholicism’.

ATV’s Showbiz agony aunt Vivian Summers says, “It is amazing in this day and age the Catholics are still complaining about being mocked. They’ve been providing comedians with so much material for centuries you’d think they’d be used to it by now.”

The Catholic’s highest man in a frock has been most unhappy about peace and love for same-sex couples of late he’s used any opportunity given to spout out his homophobic values. Most recently at Christmas.

The commercial was said to have been offensive to religious people due to ‘attempting to imply that the Catholic Church and The Vatican condone same sex marriage’.

A statement from the advertising regulator said that the advert was actually referring to the same-sex marriage bill which is currently progressing through the New Zeland Parliament. A piece of legislation the Catholic Church opposed.

Speaking to The New Zealand Herald newspaper Poweshop executive Ari Sargent said, “Yes, there was some vocal opposition but, by in large, people saw it for what it was and didn’t find it particularly offensive.” Adding the fact only four complained, “ kind of reflects the feedback that we’ve got from the general public.”

7 comments

  • The Pope dose not need to be offended as long as he is standing up for what is right, at the end of the day. They said a lot of negatieve thing’s about Jesus. (Who in the world is the Pope). The Holy Bible is there for our instructions and Jesus Christ is our patthen, and any person who seeks to change the Holy scriptures is not a representatie of the Almighty God on earth.

    Joe Dyer

    • And who are you to tell us what is right and wrong? Why should we lead our lives by a book written two thousand years ago which preaches for us not to eat shell fish or to wear clothes made out of more than one frabic. Why should we lead our lives by a book that claims the world was made in 7 days!!!!!

      And why should we listen to a Church that for hundred of years told us the world was flat and at the centre of the universe – and persecuted anyone who argued otherwise.

      Yes let’s believe in a book/organization which has been proved wrong SO many times its laughable.

      • First of all, nowhere in my comment did I tell anyone anything. I replied a the Advertising Standards Authority in New Zealand who stated that the billboard poster of Pope Benedict XVI standing behind two gay men exchanging wedding rings is not offensive.

        I must say I did find the poster a bit disrespectful. But I did not attack it. Now what I cannot understand is that a gay person wants to push their lifestyle in your face, sometime in the most disrespectful way like in the poster and other people are not permitted to make a comment. Well you know the old saying, (If you can’t take the heat, keep out of the kitchen). I am a person of protocol and strong believer of manners and respect, and I did not disrespect you in any way, but the same way a gay person is allowed to express themselves, I have a God given human right to express mine and not one person will take that right from me.

        Your question:
        And who are you to tell us what is right and wrong?

        My answer:
        I am just an ordinary human been who have a right to decide what I would like in the place where I live.

        Your question:
        Why should we lead our lives by a book written two thousand years ago which preaches for us not to eat shell fish or to wear clothes made out of more than one fabrics?

        My answer:
        Render your heart and not your garments

        Your question:
        Why should we lead our lives by a book that claims the world was made in 7 days!!!!!?

        My answer:
        Can you prove otherwise or are you afraid of the truth

        Your question:
        And why should we listen to a Church that for hundreds of years told us the world was flat and at the centre of the universe – and persecuted anyone who argued otherwise.

        My answer:
        I you study history it was scientist that argued that point not the church
        Yes let’s believe in a book/organization which has been proved wrong SO many times its laughable.
        My answer:
        In not one of your statements/questions have you even addressed the issues, which tells me that you are not interested in the truth, but would just like to have your own way. It also tells me that a debate with you will be futile. Happy New Year.

        • Live and let live is the only sensible thing religion ever noted, and they can’t even get that right.

          These gay birds, fish and such… they can’t ‘read’ or be ‘told what to do’ they just do it. Humans need to live and stop listening to out of date kiddie fiddlers in silly frocks and hats.

        • “Can you prove otherwise or are you afraid of the truth”

          Actually yes, science can prove the Earth is in fact billions of years old – and not thousands – and certainly was not created in seven days.

          “I you study history it was scientist that argued that point not the church”

          Study your history more carefully and you will find that actually the Church was indeed teaching this and enforcing such teachings.

          And as for “I cannot understand is that a gay person wants to push their lifestyle in your face, sometime in the most disrespectful”

          Er Christians are constantly forcing their lifestyle and beliefs onto others, just like you are now.

          I do believe the Bible says to Love Thy Neighbour, turn the other cheek, judge not and be a good smartian. I’m pretty sure there is something in there about those without sin casting stones…and no one is without sin.

          So Christians should not be preaching intolerance or hatred because Jesus would be ashamed of you. Jesus would preach love, tolerance and understanding not discrimination and hatred.

          And just for the record I’m not gay. Just because I stand up for people’s rights doesn’t mean I’m gay, it just means I’m more enlightened than others.

  • I think it is best to put a stop to things before they get heated darlings

    But as the “good bible” says ‘let he who is without sin cast the first stone’ and seeing as no Christians, or Church leaders, are without sin they should shut up.

    Gay and lesbian people are here to stay just accept that. They pay the same taxes as you and obey the same laws as you so they should have every single right that you do – including the right to marry their partner.

    If you do not like that then move to somewhere like Iran, North Korea or Uganda. And certainly do NOT call yourself a Christian because real Christians are about love not hate.

  • I don’t see what all the fuss is about really. Some people get worked up over trival things. Let gays and lesbians marry, who cares? When there’s world poverty, terrible inequality and genocide going on in the world a load of people kicking up a fuss about marriage seems very, very silly.