'Sexy' adverts may face crackdown in Bahrain
Manama, April 13, 2014
A nationwide crackdown on "sexy" advertising could be launched in Bahrain with MPs and municipal councillors joining forces to combat what some claim are provocative images that exploit women, a report said.
Parliament has now asked Bahrain's five councils for feedback on whether to increase advertising censorship, said the report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
The Central Municipal Council is the first to approve the idea, with one senior member also calling for a ban on mannequins in lingerie shops.
"Most advertisements focus on the feminine side and use women as a commodity to promote a product, which is a clear violation of women's rights and makes them look bad," said the council's public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari.
"Women have a bigger role in society, but unfortunately they are being used and things have to be corrected - especially in relation to advertisements whether on TV, the road or social media."
Al Ansari claimed there was currently no system to prevent the use of women in "disgraceful" advertisements.
"Whether it is us (councillors), parliament or the government - all have to come up with legislation on the insertion of women in disgraceful advertisements," he said.
"We have to come up with guidelines for advertisers to follow because what is apparent to everyone is that there is no system determining what's acceptable and what's not."
In addition, Al Ansari is demanding a ban on the use of mannequins in lingerie shops.
The idea has been mooted in the past by MPs, but was never implemented.
"Most of the mannequins visualise women wearing underwear, panties and bras and that's a clear sick usage of a female's body for promotion," argued Al Ansari.
"We have received various complaints, even from liberal women, that shops selling lingerie and undergarments don't need to showcase female mannequins because it is clear to the public what is being sold inside."
The Supreme Council for Women is also expected to be contacted for feedback on the issue. - TradeArabia News Service
