Dublin, Ireland, Dec 7, 2008 / 16:45 pm
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) is facing harsh criticism for rules which have banned a Catholic bookseller from advertising on the radio to attract customers seeking Christmas gifts.
The BCI claimed that mentioning "Christmas" during on-air advertising and reading out the website address could cause offense, the Irish Times reports.
Publisher Veritas, which is owned by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said the ban was ridiculous. Spokeswoman Maura Hyland accused the commission of double standards and said the group is considering a lawsuit to overturn the ban.
"We note a myriad of adverts being broadcast for alcohol, for example - which are not creating difficulties for the BCI," Hyland said, according to the Irish Times. "The products we sell will cause no harm or offense, as only those who want them as presents or for personal use will purchase them."