Campaign group Republic has welcomed the decision by the Advertising Standards Authority to reject complaints against their recent anti-monarchy billboards.
 
Republic began putting up billboards around the UK in July. The first set of adverts carried the message: Secretive, Divisive, Undemocratic. Abolish the Monarchy. 
 
A handful of complaints were made to the ASA, claiming the adverts were offensive and misleading.
 
The ASA has concluded that no action is required, saying in their assessment the adverts:
 
"referred to a matter of controversial political debate, which had provoked strong and mixed responses from the public." 
 
and that 
 
"consumers were likely to understand the claims in the ad to be reflective of the beliefs the advertiser held, and so were likely to interpret the claims in the ad as based on the advertiser’s own view."
 
The ASA also cited the CAP Code, which requires protection of freedom of expression in judging complaints about adverts.
 
Graham Smith, speaking for Republic, said today:
 
"We stand by our adverts and look forward to our new messages provoking more debate this month."
 
"The complaints have proven yet again that the monarchy is divisive, attracting criticism and support from across all sections of society."
 
"There is a very large minority in favour of abolishing the monarchy in the UK, people whose views are rarely given a free and fair hearing by broadcasters. Getting our message out through advertising will remain part of our campaign, so we can challenge the monarchy and speak up for the millions of people who want it abolished."
 
"We're not a nation of republicans, yet. But we're also not a nation of monarchists. There are minorities on both sides and a lot of people in the middle who are open to persuasion."
 
"With the Queen nearing the end of her reign now is the time for the UK to have a serious and honest debate about the need for a reformed, republican constitution."
 
"I had no doubt the ASA would dismiss these complaints and I welcome their decision and reasoning."
 
 
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