Spanish Catholic Group Fined—for Pro-Family Advert

The Spanish Government has controversially fined a Catholic media group for airing a commercial in defence of traditional family values. Spain’s Ministry of Industry fined Intereconomía €100,000 for airing the advert as part of a broader campaign to protect family values in the nation.

However, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) has warned that such a punishment will have a “chilling” effect on democracy, and expressed concern for the future of free speech in the nation.

The advert, which was aired 273 times, showed Gay Pride Day parades, and posed a series of questions for viewers to consider. These included: “Is this the type of society you want?” and “Are these the examples you want for your children?” The socialist Spanish Government claimed that the advert breached the nation’s broadcasting laws which ban discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, nationality, religion and opinion. However, the ECLJ dismissed this accusation, and warned that the punishment was a breach of Intereconomía’s right to free speech.

In a press release, the civil rights group said: “The ECLJ contends that the decision of the Spanish Government goes directly against international standards protecting freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.”

It added: “Freedom of expression applies not only to information and ideas that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or indifferent, but also to expression that may offend, shock, or disturb the State or any sector of the population.” The Christian Institute. July 7.  Family and Life