Update on The Gaily News

I received an email today from Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA in response to a post I entered into this blog back in August (Click here to read the original blog entry.)

Here's what I had said....

"UK:Devonshire: A single complaint from a visitor to a Devonshire library has caused one of the UK’s most successful HIV awareness campaigns to be banned. An advert showing a couple holding a sign saying “We’d rather fuck than watch T.V.” It puts an upcoming campaign in jeopardy as this talks about oral sex, blow jobs and fucking. The GMFA are wondering how they are meant to promote safe sex without using these words. Matthew Hodson, from GMFA said he was “shocked at the ruling.” He added “I’d say we’re buggered – but I’m not sure I’m allowed to.”
Source: pinkpaper.com

My take: At least GMFA have a sense of humour about this. I think the person who made the complaint needs to think long and hard about what they have done. Deaths are on your hands because of your prudishness whoever you are!!"

Here is what Matthew said:

"Hi there,

You blogged about us earlier in the year so I thought you might be interested to know that our appeal was successful and that the ASA Council eventually decided not to uphold the complaint against our advertising.

Needless to say, I’m thrilled.

All best wishes,

Matthew Hodson"

I was surprised to receive an email in response (I'm always surprised when someone takes the time to read the blog), and was pleased by the outcome. This is fantastic news and it comes, at least to me, on the eve of World AIDS Day. How fitting.
Please, if you are able to, support an AIDS charity near you on this day at least, as, one day, you or a loveds one may need their help or benefit from the work that they do. You could get about 3 red ribbons just by foregoing 1 pint of beer! Cheers!