September, 19,2017:

It was mentioned that Ganesha is not shown eating lamb or drinking alcohol at any point

Australia’s advertising watchdog has dismissed the complaints filed by the Hindu groups against a controversial advertisement which featured Lord Ganesha in a lamb roast along with the several other deities and the prophets.

Numerous complaints were lodged by Hindu groups across Australia and the globe, Advertising Standards Bureau’s Board has stated that the advertisement was inclusive.

The Advertisement was launched earlier this month by the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) ran into the controversy for its depiction of Ganesha in the lamb roast.

ASB Board further added that, “Advertisement does not, in its depiction, provide any one character with less favourable or unfair treatment by virtue of being in group, nor is depiction of Group done in a manner that subjects one character to humiliation, intimidation, hatred or ridicule by virtue only of being part of group meal”.

In defence, MLA submitted before Board that, “Advertisement celebrates the religious diversity and does not promote any act of discrimination, prejudice or vilification.”

 

Due to Advertisement’s light-hearted and humorous tone, Board ruled depiction of Ganesha was not unfair or less favourable due to his faith and did not vilify Hindu faith.

More than 200 complaints were lodged demanding the advertisement’s withdrawal.

Hindu Council of Australia had called for advertisement to be banned, stating that it was a “crude and deplorable attempt by MLA to use the images of Ganesha to promote the lamb consumption”.

Australia India Business Council (AIBC) had expressed its concern over Advertisement and stated that it was culturally insensitive and displayed remarkable naivety about its adverse impact on the relationship with India.

 

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6.9.2017 – Hindu Community in Australia upset as Lord Ganesha used in an ad for Lamb Meat consumption