Australian agencies urged to reject work on no campaign in same-sex marriage vote
Australian advertising agencies are being urged to turn down working on the ‘No’ campaign for the country’s upcoming vote for same-sex marriage.
Ad agencies are encouraged to reject work on controversial no campaign
Australia will next month host a voluntary postal vote on same-sex marriage, the results of which will be used by the government to determine whether it will vote to legalise gay marriage.
The controversial move has been widely criticised by opposition politicians and gay-rights activists for fears it will create a degrading and divisive public debate.
In a bid to counter this harmful messaging, Independent creative agency The Royals has launched a campaign calling on the creative, marketing, media and communications industry to “Say No to working on the No campaign”.
“The upcoming postal plebiscite is likely to flood the media with hateful messages that will halt progress, harm confidence and hinder equality,” said a statement for the initiative.
“‘Say No to No’ is calling on everyone who works in the creative, media or communications industry in any way to help stop these harmful messages. Say No to working on the No campaign.
“This isn’t about denying people a No vote, it is about an industry coming together in an attempt to stop harmful messaging impacting vulnerable LGBTIQ Australians.”
The campaign is encouraging individuals and companies to visit a website and pledge not to work on the No campaign.
The campaign has already gained traction with support from some of the country’s largest communication companies including DDB, Publicis, OMD, M&C Saatchi, TBWA, Clemenger BBDO, Leo Burnett, Ikon Communications and Isobar.