Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
22 October, 1999
28 concerned women and men will protest over the banning of the Theron anti-rape advert.
A range of organisations will protest against the banning of the Charlize Theron anti-rape advert at the start of the appeal hearing against the decision of the Advertising Standards Authority today.
The Commission on Gender Equality has brought an application to intervene in the appeal to ensure that "women have a voice in these proceedings". Liesl Gerntholtz, lawyer for the Commission, indicated that the Commission believes that this case is an important one for gender equality. "We do not believe that this advert discriminates against men in any way and for that reason alone, we believe that the banning was inappropriate. We do believe however that rape is a violation of women's constitutional rights to equality".
There has been widespread opposition to the banning of the advert from many gender activists and organisations. Anti-rape activist Lisa Vetten notes that most attempts to deal with the problem of rape in South Africa have focused on changes to the criminal justice system and improving the treatment of rape survivors: "Only a tiny handful of initiatives have sought to place the responsibility for preventing rape back with those men who perpetrate it or support it. This is why the advertisement needs to be shown" says Vetten.
In the face of South Africa's rape epidemic, it is troubling that the views of a small group of men should take such prominence. It is particularly problematic as this advert is the first initiative that seeks to engage men.
The Commission will strongly resist any further attempts to keep the advert off the air.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LIESL GERNTHOLTZ ON 083 600 3592 or KUBESHNI GOVENDER ON 083 273 8424