tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6343163817426504212.post5227836928891360513..comments2023-08-15T14:13:25.881+01:00Comments on The Simple Pastor: It is not 'irresponsible' to say 'God Does Heal Today'Phil Whittallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02924050376023993196noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6343163817426504212.post-6274448877385557522008-08-09T13:23:00.000+01:002008-08-09T13:23:00.000+01:00It seems to me that there are several issues here ...It seems to me that there are several issues here on which the ASA seems to be wrong. I don't know if any kind of appeal can be made against this judgment.<BR/><BR/>1. Arguably this is not an advertisement but a newspaper and so nothing to do with the ASA. But they might think that the focus on invitation to a specific service makes it an advertisement.<BR/><BR/>2. You made no implication that Dr Matthias is a practising doctor, although I agree it would have been better to say he was retired.<BR/><BR/>3. The claims are (presumably) truthful and verifiable, but there seems to be an implication behind the ASA judgment that they are not.<BR/><BR/>4. Rule 50.3 does not apply because no therapy was offered. Also it notes that "Accurate and responsible general information about such conditions may, however, be offered." By invoking this rule the ASA appears to claim that the information you offered is inaccurate.<BR/><BR/>5. The ASA is attempting to subvert your rights of freedom of religion and freedom of expression as upheld by international law.<BR/><BR/>I note also that the code has no legal force. My (non-professional) advice would be to ignore this judgment, and write to the ASA explaining that you are doing so because that is your right under international law.<BR/><BR/>You may like to look at Articles 18 and 19 of the <A HREF="http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ccpr.htm" REL="nofollow">International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights</A>, which is binding international law. Your right to distribute these testimonies may be restricted only where "necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others".Peter Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13395635409427347613noreply@blogger.com