The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has hit out at a decision to ban a Christian advert from cinemas.
The Church of England wanted to place the 60-second film featuring the Lord’s Prayer being sung by various people at leading cinema chains, hoping it would be screened before Christmas. However, Digital Cinema Media agency, which handles adverts for the main cinemas, said it could offend those of “differing faith and no faith”.
An EHRC spokesperson says: “Freedom to hold a religion and freedom to express ideas are essential British values. We are concerned by any blanket ban on adverts by all religious groups...There is no right not to be offended in the UK; what is offensive is very subjective and lies in the eye of the beholder.
“This does not mean groups or individuals are free to express themselves without restriction. Freedom of expression can be and is restricted but only in order to prevent violence, abuse or discrimination for example.”
