HL Deb 03 June 1997 vol 580 c36WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider restoring the prohibition against the broadcasting of religious advertising.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The prohibition previously applying to all broadcast religious advertising was only removed subject to various safeguards. Such advertising must comply with codes determined by the broadcasting regulators. It must not be used to expound religious doctrine, denigrate other beliefs, play on fear, or target young or vulnerable people. Advertising may not be broadcast on behalf of bodies which practice or advocate illegal behaviour, or whose rites or other forms of collective worship are not normally directly accessible to the general public. Broadcasters are, moreover, free to refuse to carry any religious advertising if they so wish. The Government will continue to keep this area under review, but has no current plans to restore the prohibition.