'No God' billboards OK, say ASA

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled controversial billboards proclaiming there is no God do not breach advertising rules.

The ASA received a complaint about the billboards from a person named A Renault, who complained that the adverts, paid for by the Humanist Society and erected in major cities, were offensive and made a mockery of the Christian faith.

One of the billboards read: "In the beginning, man created god, there's probably no god, now stop worrying and enjoy your life". Another said: "We are all atheists about most gods, some of us just go one god further".

However, the ASA, while noting the complainant's concerns were sincere, ruled that the advertising code of ethics made provision for the presentation of robust expressions of opinion, which was "an essential and desirable part of the functioning of a democratic society".

Therefore, there were no grounds for the complaint to proceed.

- NZPA