Australia Bans Violent Ad

[Madeline]

I cannot imagine this sort of government action would fly in the US.

A Calvin Klein ad showing an agitated woman held down by her hair apparently set upon by three bare-chested men behind a chain-link fence has been banned in Australia for promoting rape. The black-and-white ad features Calvin Klein model Lara Stone in a bra or bustier shirt with one strap pulled off her shoulder. The Aussie Advertising Board noted that while the "act depicted could be consensual, the overall impact and most likely impression is that the scene is suggestive of violence and rape,” said a spokesman.

The ad was part of a series but it was this particular billboard shot that caused the outcry from activists who said the photo was using images of gang rape to sell clothing.

The government ordered the ads be taken down.

"The [Advertising Standards] Board considered that whilst the act depicted could be consensual, the overall impact and most likely impression is that the scene is suggestive of violence and rape,” said a spokesman.

"We considered that the image was demeaning to women by suggesting that she is a plaything of these men."

Lara Stone's new Calvin Klein ad banned -- standards board says image promotes 'violence and rape'

What say you? Are countries that restrict speech more than we do better off?