Religious advertisement in Connolly station Dublin

rccaulfield

I didn't know religious signs were allowed to be shoved in childrens faces at train stations? A large Yellow sign saying Jesus died for you and if you believe you will be saved(if memory serves) is on display around platform 6, What an insult to children of perhaps muslim/ atheist parents etc. I wrote a complaint to the improve my station section of the Irishrail website and would encourage others to do the same. http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=117&n=231

chin_grin

Easily offended are we? Not tolerant of other religions are we? (I'm agnostic...and have the opinion of "sure let them at it if it makes them happy").

Why don't you just ignore it like all the other ads for brands\mortgage companies\airlines and therefore your kids will do the same.

There was a Scientology ad there a year ago too. I was surprised, but not shocked enough to write a letter.

eyescreamcone

rccaulfield wrote: »

I didn't know religious signs were allowed to be shoved in childrens faces at train stations? A large Yellow sign saying Jesus died for you and if you believe you will be saved(if memory serves) is on display around platform 6, What an insult to children of perhaps muslim/ atheist parents etc. I wrote a complaint to the improve my station section of the Irishrail website and would encourage others to do the same. http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=117&n=231[/QUOTE]

I believe that if they pay for the space they should be allowed to advertise their wares.
However, I'm not in favour of them getting free advertising space on RTE for The Angelus.

rccaulfield

chin_grin wrote: »

Easily offended are we? Not tolerant of other religions are we?

Why don't you just ignore it like all the other ads for brands\mortgage companies\airlines and therefore your kids will do the same.

There was a Scientology ad there a year ago too. I was surprised, but not shocked enough to write a letter.

Doing nothing won't get us far mate, places like train stations should have policies for religious ads. Maybe a whip round and get an a+a ad up aswell?:D

MagicMarker

It's a public space, they can pay for what they want in fairness. Nothing stopping you from doing the same.

Dades

One sure-fire way to encourage resistance to secularism in Ireland is to make Christians think they're being shoved behind closed doors.

Choose your battles.

subway

i believe the law only applies to tv or radio ads?
http://merlin.obs.coe.int/iris/2008/5/article22.en.html

because of that, billboards are still fair game, and "lord knows" Irish Rail need money from whereever they can get it

according to wiki, there was an atheist campaign in the UK that did something similar.

while i dont have an issue with the idea of the posters,as long as all groups are given equal opportunity, i think its a difficult situation as some religions obviously have more money than others, so the field isnt level so to speak. which i think is the intent of the tv ban?, ensuring that its not "all catholic, all the time", the same as political bans, where the ruling party has extensive money to basically initiate a blackout on other parties by controlling advertising etc

rccaulfield

Dades wrote: »

One sure-fire way to encourage resistance to secularism in Ireland is to make Christians think they're being shoved behind closed doors.

Choose your battles.

People are free to practice their delusions in their own space, i am entitled to wait for my train with my children and not be told i'm going to hell(basically). No big deal i'm not easily offended or anything but have had enough of all this recently and become a practicing atheist again lol, might be another phase! Forgot how busy this forum is 6 replies in a few minutes!

chin_grin

rccaulfield wrote: »

Doing nothing won't get us far mate, places like train stations should have policies for religious ads. Maybe a whip round and get an a+a ad up aswell?:D

"Ignorance is bliss" as the saying goes and it's true. To a point. Yes they shouldn't be shoving religion down our throats (ahem!). But that doesn't mean that you as a free thinker should succumb to the advertising. You're aware of it, therefore you can choose to be affected by it. You chose poorly in my opinion.

But there lies my point, you have a choice. You've a choice to write that letter. You've a choice to look at the ad and go "wow they must be getting desperate". You have a choice to sit your children down and tell them they can believe in anything because religion isn't telling you\them what to do and think.

I just think it takes more energy to give out about something than it is to ignore it. If something didn't have any media (or any) attention at all it will eventually go away.

mikemac1

You are free to pay for your own sign too OP


And are you realy taking offense on behalf of Muslim parents?
Let them speak for themselves, they don't need you assuming what they should be offended by

rccaulfield

subway wrote: »

i believe the law only applies to tv or radio ads?
http://merlin.obs.coe.int/iris/2008/5/article22.en.html

because of that, billboards are still fair game, and "lord knows" Irish Rail need money from whereever they can get it

according to wiki, there was an atheist campaign in the UK that did something similar.

while i dont have an issue with the idea of the posters,as long as all groups are given equal opportunity, i think its a difficult situation as some religions obviously have more money than others, so the field isnt level so to speak. which i think is the intent of the tv ban?, ensuring that its not "all catholic, all the time", the same as political bans, where the ruling party has extensive money to basically initiate a blackout on other parties by controlling advertising etc

Thats good info i wasn't aware of the legalities, Case closed on that front;)

subway

subway wrote: »

i think is the intent of the tv ban?, ensuring that its not "all catholic, all the time", the same as political bans, where the ruling party has extensive money to basically initiate a blackout on other parties by controlling advertising etc

to quote myself on this and clarify, the tv/radio ban, and a (UK) source

the need to strike a fair balance between the competing interests is stronger

http://www.cearta.ie/2008/12/normal-service-is-being-resumed-religious-and-political-advertising-bans/

the quote is slightly shortened as i only wish to use this intent, and not the rest of the argument, which, i feel, is tangetial to this discussion.

basically, there is almost unlimited billboard space available. in reality its restricted by planning etc, but in theory, you could stand beside that poster with an alternative view, or purchase the slot beside it, and so on.
on tv, there may be space for 5ads during the most watched shows, so you basically have a chance to hit the widest audience if you have the most money.
this means it is inherently unfair to allow such limited resource be appropriated by one particulr body.
the ban is not to limit religious discussion, but to ensure there is not a one-sided discussion.

i would be in agreement with this type of restriction, in the interest of fairness, but if holyjoe wants to stand on grafton street with a megaphone or put a poster in connolly, he has as much access to the audience as me, regardless of money or influence

Ellis Dee

Just as long as anyone with the money to spend waste can put up ads pushing their particular religious view, what's the harm? The sane among us will take little or no notice of their clichés.:rolleyes:

I once saw a funny picture of a big poster outside a church in Oxford and right beside a bus stop. The poster asked: "Where will you be spending eternity?" and someone had used a thick felt pen to write immediately after it: "Here most likely, waiting for a bloody bus!":)

It's often funny to see different outdoor advertising claims clash with or complement each other. A sure sign of spring in Finland is when the condom ads appear, and often side-by-side with what we call the "jeesustelu" (jeesusing) ones.



JESUS IS COMING ---




BE PREPARED with the condom that breathes more, PAAVI (=Pope) Catholic.:)

Oranage2

We should form a mob to burn down the station!!!!

baalthor

A few years ago every single advertising space in Pearse station in Dublin was an ad for Jack Daniels whisky.
Can't have been easy for recovering alcoholics.

vicwatson

rccaulfield wrote: »

I didn't know religious signs were allowed to be shoved in childrens faces at train stations? A large Yellow sign saying Jesus died for you and if you believe you will be saved(if memory serves) is on display around platform 6, What an insult to children of perhaps muslim/ atheist parents etc. I wrote a complaint to the improve my station section of the Irishrail website and would encourage others to do the same. http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=117&n=231

I thought that link was going to be a picture of the ad:rolleyes:

decisions

There was one from the scientologists up there last year for a while. Not doing anyone any harm.

happyman81

The one I love says something like 'If you do not follow the lord, you will perish'.

And in the background is a beautiful calming blue cloudy sky.

im invisible

rccaulfield wrote: »

Doing nothing won't get us far mate, places like train stations should have policies for religious ads. Maybe a whip round and get an a+a ad up aswell?:D

Carlsberg dont get involved in religious ads, but if they did there probably wouldnt be a God...

Newaglish

If some church wants to spend money that will ultimately feed into our public services, while making a billboard that nobody is going to give two hoots about, I'm happy. I think they should be free to do whatever they like as long as billboards aren't offensive or vulgar.

rccaulfield

rccaulfield wrote: »

I didn't know religious signs were allowed to be shoved in childrens faces at train stations? A large Yellow sign saying Jesus died for you and if you believe you will be saved(if memory serves) is on display around platform 6, What an insult to children of perhaps muslim/ atheist parents etc. I wrote a complaint to the improve my station section of the Irishrail website and would encourage others to do the same. http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=117&n=231

Why dont you take out an ad and say god doesnt exist ?

joseph brand

Oranage2 wrote: »

We should form a mob to burn down the station!!!!

Can I bring a pitch fork? We can burn some witches too YAY! Oh wait, that's the religious folks' job.

I have an idea for an Atheist poster in a train station.

'Choo Choo Choose Atheism'.

Sarky

Haha, it would say choo choo CHOOSE, and there'd be trains.

joseph brand

decisions wrote: »

There was one from the scientologists up there last year for a while. Not doing anyone any harm.

Scientology does a lot of harm. There was a protest on Middle Abbey Street organised by relatives of members who said the cult had ruined their lives. In typical cult fashion, the unfortunate suckers who joined, were told to stay away from anyone outside the cult. They can't communicate with their own families.

Harmless eh?

happyman81

joseph brand wrote: »

decisions wrote: »

There was one from the scientologists up there last year for a while. Not doing anyone any harm.

Scientology does a lot of harm. There was a protest on Middle Abbey Street organised by relatives of members who said the cult had ruined their lives. In typical cult fashion, the unfortunate suckers who joined, were told to stay away from anyone outside the cult. They can't communicate with their own families.

Harmless eh?

Yup, they basically become slaves for the organisation, handing over all their earnings (involuntary donation) and working for free for the church.

decisions

To clarify I ment the God poster wasn't doing anyone any harm.

Zombrex

rccaulfield wrote: »

I didn't know religious signs were allowed to be shoved in childrens faces at train stations? A large Yellow sign saying Jesus died for you and if you believe you will be saved(if memory serves) is on display around platform 6, What an insult to children of perhaps muslim/ atheist parents etc. I wrote a complaint to the improve my station section of the Irishrail website and would encourage others to do the same. http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=117&n=231

I imagine the Muslim family would be far more concerned about the half naked woman selling mobile phone networks on the other billboard to be honest.

rccaulfield wrote: »

i am entitled to wait for my train with my children and not be told i'm going to hell(basically).

No actually you aren't.

People have the right to be offended by other concepts and ideas. They do not have the right to be shield from possible offense.

People have the right to tell you you are going to hell and you have the right to be as offended by that as you wish. Just like you have the right to tell them they are deluded fools.

Kivaro

happyman81 wrote: »

The one I love says something like 'If you do not follow the lord, you will perish'.

And in the background is a beautiful calming blue cloudy sky.

Come on now, you know that you should not take that as a literal meaning. They were obviously talking about 'perish with the cold', which is why they had a sunny sky in the background.

And here's you thinking that they were implying 'hell and damnation'.

keano_afc

rccaulfield wrote: »

I didn't know religious signs were allowed to be shoved in childrens faces at train stations? A large Yellow sign saying Jesus died for you and if you believe you will be saved(if memory serves) is on display around platform 6, What an insult to children of perhaps muslim/ atheist parents etc. I wrote a complaint to the improve my station section of the Irishrail website and would encourage others to do the same. http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=117&n=231

Unless the sign came to life and jumped down off the wall, I dont see how this could happen. Unless you did it yourself OP? Did you? Did you take the billboard down and beat your children around the chops with it?

You sound like a lovley person.

Solair

To me, the more worrying aspect, is that advertising sales are so slow that they're taking ads from obscure religious organisations.

That's not a good sign for the economy!

Galvasean

baalthor wrote: »

A few years ago every single advertising space in Pearse station in Dublin was an ad for Jack Daniels whisky.
Can't have been easy for recovering alcoholics.

Nail. Head. Everything is gonna offend somebody.
So what's the solution? Ban all advertising? In this reporter's opinion the answer is yes.

Bigcheeze

Deleted User wrote: »

Why dont you take out an ad and say god doesnt exist ?

He can't. That would be illegal under the Defamation Act 2009 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2009/en/act/pub/0031/sec0036.html

Galvasean

Bigcheeze wrote: »

He can't. That would be illegal under the Defamation Act 2009 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2009/en/act/pub/0031/sec0036.html

Or can he (money issues notwithstanding of course)?

"3) It shall be a defence to proceedings for an offence under this section for the defendant to prove that a reasonable person would find genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value in the matter to which the offence relates."

And then we could all have a great big argument about it

Bigcheeze

Galvasean wrote: »

Or can he (money issues notwithstanding of course)?

"3) It shall be a defence to proceedings for an offence under this section for the defendant to prove that a reasonable person would find genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value in the matter to which the offence relates."

And then we could all have a great big argument about it

Yes, but I suspect Iarnrod Eireann would take the safe option and not allow it. Why risk a 25k fine when another risk free ad can fill the space.

Galvasean

It would be a novel way of highlighting the stupidity of actually having a blasphemy law...

Zombrex

Bigcheeze wrote: »

He can't. That would be illegal under the Defamation Act 2009 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2009/en/act/pub/0031/sec0036.html

Holy Jesus Christ f((king a donkey Batman!

You get the impression that even the person who wrote that knew it was nonsense. Only in Ireland ...

happyman81

Zombrex wrote: »

Holy Jesus Christ f((king a donkey Batman!

You get the impression that even the person who wrote that knew it was nonsense. Only in Ireland ...

Contained within:

(4) In this section “ religion ” does not include an organisation or cult—

(a) the principal object of which is the making of profit, or

(b) that employs oppressive psychological manipulation—

(i) of its followers, or

(ii) for the purpose of gaining new followers.

Scientology?

Galvasean

Surely (b) applies to most religions though?

Hotblack Desiato

baalthor wrote: »

A few years ago every single advertising space in Pearse station in Dublin was an ad for Jack Daniels whisky.
Can't have been easy for recovering alcoholics.

Or people who like decent whiskey...

Tim Robbins

I think the OP has a bit of a point. You wouldn't be allowed advertise a cure for cancer in the train station - would you? There has to be a line.

I would support a campaign which stuck up ads that took the mick out of their ads - in a polite but thought provoking way. I think that is the best way of dealing with it rather than any legislation.

Standman

The only one that ever annoyed me was the one quoting the line 'The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."' in big, black capital letters.

RichieC

JOIN THE CATOLIC CHURCH TODAY!
not full of rapists

Sarky

RichieC wrote: »

CATOLIC CHURCH

?

happyman81

ninja900 wrote: »

baalthor wrote: »

A few years ago every single advertising space in Pearse station in Dublin was an ad for Jack Daniels whisky.
Can't have been easy for recovering alcoholics.

Or people who like decent whiskey...

Damn straight. It's hard having good taste.

RichieC

Sarky wrote: »

?

not editing my typo now!

sonicthebadger*

That cat pope pic was lightening fast! Ha ha! :pac: