Widespread condemnation as Free TV deems ‘political’ Father’s Day ads

Decision to deem ad celebrating Father’s Day “political” ahead of the same-sex marriage ballot described as “troubling”.

Heitor and Helen De Morais with their daughter Sophia on Father’s Day. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Free TV Australia’s decision to deem a commercial celebrating Father’s Day “political” ahead of the government’s same-sex marriage postal ballot has been described as “troubling”, “garbage” and “political correctness gone absurdly mad” by politicians.

However, the peak body for free-to-air commercial TV networks blamed the ad’s creator, not-for-profit group Dads4Kids, for the ad not running, saying they were asked to add an identification tag declaring political content and refused to do so.

Dads4Kids spokesman Ben Pratt said the organisation had run similar ads for the past 15 years without them being classed as political. He said the political classification meant the ads could not be played for free under Community Service Announcement regulations, and Dads4Kids could therefore not afford to run them as it had done since 2002.

like political ­correctness, vote no, because it’s the best way you have to stop it in its tracks.”

Media reports cited mention in the ad of the dads4kids.org.au website as the reason Free TV deemed it political, given the page, which has since been taken offline, suggested every child had a right to a mother and a father.

In a 2014 submission to a Senate inquiry about recognition of same-sex marriage, Dads4Kids argued such relationships were a “a blatant attack on the rights of the children of Australia”.

Mr Pratt said these issues were at no stage raised with Dads4Kids, nor did Free TV provide such details to The Australian on Friday when asked to respond to several questions about what the political content in the ad was.

For Brisbane dad Heitor De Morais, Father’s Day yesterday was about spending time with his wife, Helen, and their 10-month-old daughter Sophia.

“It’s a day to celebrate fatherhood and to remind you of how lucky you are to be able to pass on all your knowledge and experience to your offspring,” he said.

Mr De Morais, a supporter of same-sex marriage, said he could not see what the issue had to do with Father’s Day.

“I don’t think Father’s Day should be politicised,” he said. “Same-sex marriage is a different issue, which should be dealt with respectfully.”

Tasmanian senator Eric Abetz said the Free TV decision was “deeply troubling” and would “baffle most Australians”.

“This decision is manifestly stupid and I hope it will be reconsidered,” he said.

One Nation senator Pauline Hanson said attacks on special days such as Father’s Day and Australia Day were a distraction from important issues such as energy prices.

“To have (the ad) declared ‘political matter’ at a time that just so happens to cross over during the same sex relationship debate is just garbage,” she said.

Australian Marriage Equality co-chair Alex Greenwich backed Free TV Australia.

“The Australian people expect both sides to play by the rules here, and that includes proper authorisation,” he said.

Labor equality spokeswoman Terri Butler said she had not seen the ad when asked whether she agreed with the determination that it was political.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan said it was “political correctness gone absurdly mad to be effectively putting a ban on Father’s Day.”

Free TV Australia said reports it had blocked or banned the ad were incorrect.