Romford Councillor fears Havering Council crackdown may now ban nativity plays or carol concerts from being advertised.

Following the approval of a new advertising policy in Havering, St Edwards Ward Councillor David Taylor has warned that the council may have gone too far and banned adverts by local faith groups. 

Havering Council recently approved new advertising standards, for advertisers who wish to buy space on council billboards. The new policy was cheered for its crackdown on junk food advertising. However, it also appears to ban any advertising of a religious nature. 

The policy states that advertising will be rejected if it is “… of a sensitive, indecent, or obscene subject matter… for example it is of a racial, religious or political nature”. 
Councillor Taylor warns that this may have unexpected consequences and he has written to the Chief Executive and Leader seeking urgent clarification. 

Councillor Taylor said; 

“It is disappointing to see religion referred to in the same sentence as ‘indecent or obscene’. People’s faith very often acts as a motivation for their compassion and love towards others and there is nothing obscene or indecent about that. 

I’m concerned that this policy may have unexpected consequences, such as preventing the advertising of nativity plays or carol concerts. 

Christmas is a religious event, with a Christian message at the heart of it. If local faith groups are unable to advertise a Christian Christmas service then we are in danger of pushing faith to the sidelines”. 

Councillor Taylor continued:

“This also goes for advertising local events around Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah and more.

I would like to see this policy revisited and clarified, to ensure that we do not inadvertently push faith groups to the sidelines. 

I am certain that the council understand the importance of the Christian message in Christmas, and I am confident that they will provide clarity around this policy. 

I hope they amend it.”

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