LONDON (AP) — Britain’s advertising watchdog has banned an Italian ice cream ad featuring a pregnant nun, saying it causes offense to Catholics.
The magazine ad for ice cream maker Antonio Federici showed the nun eating a tub of ice cream, with text that read: “Immaculately conceived … Ice cream is our religion.”
The Advertising Standards Authority said Wednesday it has received 10 complaints from magazine readers who said the ad was offensive to Christians. The agency said imagery used to illustrate immaculate conception was likely to be seen as mocking the beliefs of Roman Catholics.
The Italian company said the idea of conception represented the development of their ice cream and the ad aimed to gently satirize religion.
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Comments (72)
Truncheon
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 3:28pmI find the commercial rather amusing, myself. I would advocate allowing the consumers to reward or punish the ice cream vendor in the free market, were this an American issue.
Free speech is meaningless if you only advocate it for things you agree.
Report Post »Red Blooded
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 3:24pmAgreed with ECL, dislike the ad, not the governments place to interfere. But if we want to look at religious intolerance, look was Islam has done to Europe….
Report Post »Windsong
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 3:07pmThank you Britain! It won’t be easy, but the citizens in this world are beginning to stand up and take their countries back. Since it seems to be up to the citizens to stop the nonsense, I have no doubt we will prevail. I look forward to a future of sanity, compassion, honor and firiendship. I don‘t believe our ’leaders’ have too big of an interest in that.
Report Post »Honcho
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 6:27pmGive me a break. 10 complaints?? What this is, is the lame attempt to appear even handed and balanced while the UK is converted to Sharia.
Report Post »RojBlake
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 3:06pmThe UK has a long history of poking fun at the Catholic church, since I don‘t know the nature of the complaints against the ad it’s difficult to know why exactly they banned it.
If the complaint was of a religious nature it is quite possible that rather than a pregnant nun…it was directed toward the Immaculate Conception line that is part of all “christian culture”.
If it was offensive toward women perhaps it was the idea that women can’t controlthier impulses that was offensive.
It is also quite reasonable to deduce that the UK is having internal squabbles over the amount of lattitude that the “Islamic Cultures” have been given & this is either a way of giving the same considerations to other “religions”, or an opening salvo to reining in the slack given to Islam that has not been given to others.
Put it in this context, one of the best arguments against the “Ground Zero Mosque” is the fact that it has been fast-tracked to be built, while a Greek Orthodox Church destroyed on 9/11 still has not recieved permition to be rebuilt.
Who has the right to be offended by that fact, & why are not more people outraged by it. In England thier citizens are becoming more outraged by the same kind of foolishness, but it’s probably easier to give in a little to “christian complaints” than it is for them to have the spine to tell the Islamists…NO; it‘s a corner they’ve painted themselves into, & we in the US are rapidly using the same brush.
Report Post »icesk8rgirl96
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:19pmAs a Catholic I’m offended by it but, you know, people can do whatever they want to, it is legal but offensive. It seems like nowadays, people choose or not choose to do whatever by it being legal or not, not whether it’s good or wrong.
Report Post »cranberry
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:04pmYea, a really stupid concept and it’s sick as well. Can we leave some things be? Is there not
Report Post »enough crap already out there to rail about? What a slap in the face to one of the best things
my faith has going for it. Just punch it right in the kisser. The people who came up with this
one are probably not religious, and are very immature.
Ecl
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:58pmwhat happened to freedom of speech? Oh right its the UK not the US
Do I like the ad?… NO
Report Post »But I don’t think any government should be banning stuff like that.
TattooQ
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:36pmI’m shocked . Christianity is usually not the “IT” religion for such deferential , or reverential for that matter , treatment .
Report Post »El Paco
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:32pmThere’s a difference between intolerance and a stupid idea. This is a stupid idea. A decently interesting idea, but stupid nonetheless.
Report Post »Hermeneuticals
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 7:52pmYou have it right – its a stupid idea but let the market place punish them. Once again excessive Brit regulations trump free expression. Given the sexual overtones it would be appropriate to limit it to after the watershed (9pm)
Report Post »saltmpepper888
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:20pmwow 10 whole complaints, mush have been their entire subscriber base. look i am cathlic and thought it was a witty play on words, grow a thicker skin . stop crying on my shoulder, i am getting tired of holding you up
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:08pmI love this advertisement, absolutely love it! This is freedom of speech at its best, whether in Britain or in America. Censorship is the way of despots, juntas and theocratic tyranny.
This censorship reflects there are some Christian Taliban. We are never to allow religious extremists to impose theocratic tyranny upon us. This is not God’s way, this is rancid hypocrisy.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:14pmHey moron…………to depict a nun, pregnant, is an abomination……. You find that enjoyable because you enjoy spreading hate for others………crawl back under the rock……
Report Post »Stupid Windmill
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:51pmYeah! Women are not allowed to get pregnant!
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:58pmAs a cradle Catholic, I do find it offensive. However, I don’t think Catholics will riot or issue death threats even if the flavor is not renamed. While the name is offensive, if it were to continue we would request it be changed but if it weren’t, we would just pray for those who so disrespectful and wish them no physical harm. For this reason Catholics and most Christians are fair game. We don’t wish death on those who disagree with us as policy and then try to make it happen
Report Post »SB_Smith
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:50pmWow…a step in the right direction….kind of.
I thought Britain was only worried about offending Muslims.
I guess they think Catholics don’t have a sense of humor.
“Sister Strikes Again – Late Nite Catechism2″…funny…not offensive.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jrh_uuPmd0
Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:36pmSB_SMITH adds humor, “Sister Strikes Again – Late Nite Catechism2″…funny…not offensive.”
“Would a temple wear a thong?“ ”If you’re ugly, join the clergy.”
HA! HA! Funny stuff!
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:50pmThe point is……….it was unnecessary to denigrate women that have devoted their lives to teaching the word, and, by the way, parochial (catholic schools) educations have LONG been superior to the public school system and that, my friends, cannot be denied…… I dare anyone to deny it !!!!!
Report Post »missmarie
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:40pmI encourage all to voice their opinions to the company that approved using this ad to promote their product:
http://www.antoniofederici.com/
Report Post »Slayer
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:38pmI’m glad they banned this nonsense. Note that no Catholics rioted, burned, raped or strapped bombs onto themselves and killed dozens of others over this.
Report Post »The Bees
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:38pmI am a devout Catholic. I find this ad highly offensive and disgusting. The people who made this ad should be smacked upside the head. They are ignorant Jack_asses.
I was educated by Nuns who also gave me a great love for my savior and the world around me.
With that said I would still stand up for their right to be ignorant Jack_asses.
Report Post »moriarty70
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:29pmSo it’s offensive to you, ban it. It’s offensive to not you, it’s protected under free speech?
Report Post »Ellie
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:26pmAs an Ex-Catholic, Ex-Atheist I’m not at all offended but even if I were, should the ‘hurt’ feelings of 10 trump the right to free speech of a company that is no-doubt employing 100′s?
Not quite the same here as it is over the pond…. although….. it only took 3 complaints to the FCC for them to fine Howard Stern $1000′s
Report Post »shagstar
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:25pmperhap‘s they should ban the catholic priests from playing with little boy’s behind locked door’s!
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:42pmSHAGSTAR writes biting truth, “perhap‘s they should ban the catholic priests from playing with little boy’s behind locked door’s!”
Oh, oh, you are begging to have your dog again bite your behind!
Yes, there is a significant amount of double standard and hypocrisy to be found in almost all religions.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
Stupid Windmill
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:49pmHey can I get a free pass to your casino please?
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:23pmComment number one illustrates that the poster never reads the article but only reads the headline in order to be first in line and try to stir the pot. He was apparently too stupid to take notice that this story was from the U.K.
Report Post »Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:33pmThe poster is an MSNBC wackadoo……. He / She / Shim…..whatever IT is continues to spread filth and nonsense on our conservative site here. They are terrified at this grass roots movement…. But, moreover, they NEVER have anything substantive to add……..why ? Because all they no is what they get from the mainstream media…….real sad……
Report Post »Stupid Windmill
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:47pmYeah there is never anything of substance on this website! only propaganda!
Report Post »seniorcitizen
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:21pmWish we had the same sensibilities. Free speech was meant to be free political speech not what it has become
Report Post »carrera
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:20pmBe warned, Catholics will be strapping on their suicide vests, the Christian world will explode over this, there will be car bombings and I can foresee the “six flying Nuns” boarding a plane any minute, death threats and videos with be displayed on the Archdiocese websites, how dare they….satire off.
Report Post »Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:31pmChristians don’t resort to hurting others……only progessive radicals do that and, apparently, there are a lot within the borders of this once great nation……..
Report Post »Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:31pmChristians don’t resort to hurting others……only progessive radicals do that and, apprarently, there are a lot within the borders of this once great nation……..
Report Post »Stupid Windmill
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:45pmAHhahahah I don’t get it.
Report Post »Stupid Windmill
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:46pmDon’t forget conservative radicals like the taliban. They have the power of morality and god on their side!
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 16, 2010 at 7:13amHey Stupid…. that’s god with a small “g” right? Maybe you’re not so stupid afterall.
Report Post »Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:18pmCongrats to the UK’s watchdog…….for once……. This is absolutely unbelievable…as an Italian American I am digusted and would like to personally slap whoever created this ad in the puss !!!!
Report Post »FiveFreedoms
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:16pmPlease remember “DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS”. Trolls hide under bridges to rob travelers. They also hide on Blogs to distract and discourage thoughtful discussion that could enlighten all. When you respond to them, Trolls collect their payoff by stealing your time. Just ignore them, they are close minded and will not be swayed. The rest of us would like to know what you would say to an eager audience.
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:21pmIntolerance and lies.
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:21pmIs intolerance and lies all you can do?
Report Post »Stupid Windmill
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:43pmIf by thoughtful and enlightenging discussion you mean propaganda and echochambering then I would agree.
Report Post »sickofitall
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 3:42pm@FIVEFREEDOMS
Report Post »You are quite right. It is very clear that DANGLINBAGS is a complete TROLL. I’ve noticed how (it) always seems to be one of the first from the misfit tribe of wingnuts and moonbats to dribble it‘s nonsense on every article’s comments. I agree that it’s best to ignore this troll as the poor thing has nothing better to do than try and get attention. Like the saying goes – “Mind over matter, give it no mind because nothing it says matters”.
JJ Coolay
Posted on September 16, 2010 at 7:11amOne man‘s intolerance and lies are another man’s truths!!
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:16pmReligious intolerance. Bill Maher is right.
SGTTAZ67
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:33pmYup, the government showing reigious intolerance. George carlin was right “I’m completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death. “
Report Post »paladin252
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:34pmi’ll be praying for you danglinbags.
Mikee T
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:45pmOMG……….where do these thought processes come from ? What is wrong with these leftist morons ? SGGTA67‘s post I can’t even comprehend…. Referencing George Carlin ?
Where did these people come from…….? I wish they would crawl back under the rock and stay there..
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:53pmWarnig! Warning! Warning! Warning! Warning!
DeaBagger has escaped a different news story thread and we think he may be headed to the computer lab.
Please be advised he has not taken his anti-abuse medicine and is armed with confusion and extremly dangerous due to the brain damage caused by the repeated blows to the chin by danglingbags.
Report Post »SGTTAZ67
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:02pmTo be honest with you I was ripping on DBAGS. I’m a tea party member who happens to like George Carlin, and others who poke fun at society. HE had a good point if you follow it through. Besides George Carlin probably has more relevaance than anything that DouchlingBags wouuld refernce.
Report Post »saltmpepper888
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:13pmwow 10 whole complaints, must be their whole subscribers base. i am catholic and i thought it was a good play on words ,grow a thicker skin and a better sense of humor, cry on someone elses shoulder ,mine is tired of holding you up !!!
broker0101
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:15pmSGTTAZ67, do the words “Church of England” mean anything to you? Didn’t think so.
Report Post »saltmpepper888
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:17pmsorry dang , my comment was in general and not directed toward you ,hit wrong reply button, lol hope you have a thick skin, have a good day
SGTTAZ67
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:36pmYou know I didn’t think that through to the full extent. Of course not being British I didn’t think of that angle. Why don’t we just drop being politically correct. Monty Python wouldn’t have a chance today, and they might be the best thing to come out of england since……
Report Post »mother of danglingbag
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:41pmSon, Come home now- It’s time to leave for your therapy session. The nice doctor has a nice surprise for you today! No, it’s not a lollypop- it’s something better, something much, much better! Love Mommy
Report Post »danglingbag's(therapist)
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:23pm“Religious intolerance. Bill Maher is right”.
C’mon Danglingbags. Your “shoot from the hip” comments make little, if any, sense. In your rush to be “first” to post, you are only magnifying your ignorance. Move your computer away from your meth lab, and start paying attention.
Report Post »Fort Mill Joe
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:25pmEither Danglinbags is Bill Maher, or he has one heck of a man-crush on him.
Report Post »JJMinor
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 5:22pmThat’s true. But I would have to assume that most people will generally be polite enough not to use a nun in such a disrespectful way. I guess all dogma is open for target practice, but being overtly rude to the sisters isn’t nice. But, I would not ban it. Christians can take the heat. You can’t prove your metel if you over-react to someone’s obvious prode.
Report Post »roninshaman
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 10:52pmWhen a Muslim kills over cartoons we get a firm finger shaking from the left. When Christians complain about blasphemy against their faith we are called intolerant. What happened to reason?
Report Post »