New Zealand Regulatory Agency Rules on Sex Toy Window Displays

New Zealand Regulatory Agency Rules on Sex Toy Window Displays

AUCKLAND — The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), a New Zealand advertising industry self-regulatory agency, has affirmatively ruled for the window displays of adult retailers that include sex toys.

The ruling is in response to a formal complaint filed by Auckland mother Lynne Low, according to a report in Stuff. Low, who also petitioned the New Zealand Parliament to have the sex toys removed, held a protest with her children outside of the DVX adult entertainment store. The store had been displaying "Fetish Fantasy Series bondage products, some pink fluffy handcuffs, a pink whip and five packets of Ovo vibrators."

The ASA, however, ruled that as long as the window displays weren't depicting anything "sexually explicit" then simply displaying pleasure products did not rise to the level of being obscene. 

"The Complaints Board did not uphold a complaint about the display of sex toys in the shop window," said the ASA's ruling. "This is because the presentation of the toys in the shop window display was not sexually explicit and was not likely to cause serious or widespread offense."

Originally there had also been displays of bondage gear in packaging featuring pictures of people using the products. Once the packaging was removed, with just the products remaining, the ASA considered the matter settled.

"The Complaints Board agreed the complaint about the display of bondage products at the DVX adult entertainment store in New Lynn Auckland was settled," the ruling continued. "This is because the Advertiser had removed the bondage sets from the shop window display."

Low originally held a protest outside of the store with her children, holding up a sign reading "Let's Keep Our Public Spaces Safe For Our Little Faces," after the store owner refused to remove the items, citing freedom of speech.

"I go through efforts to put safety filters on my children's devices … and I can't stop them from looking at this stuff on the street corner," Low told Stuff in January. "It's not okay to teach innocent children that it's okay for women to be tied up for sex."

But the ASA, which is not a government agency but is made up of various members of the advertising industry in New Zealand, felt the altered display did not violate the Advertising Code standard, which reads: "Advertisements must not contain anything that is indecent, or exploitative, or degrading, or likely to cause harm, or serious or widespread offence, or give rise to hostility, contempt, abuse or ridicule."

Read the complete article by Rob Stock here.

Image source: Stuff

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

LELO Launches 'Masturbitter' Craft Beer to Promote Male Sex Talk

LELO has partnered with Great Beyond Brewing Company to launch Masturbitter, a craft beer, to encourage men to discuss sex.

Xgen Now Shipping ZOLO's 'Stroke Off' Collection

Xgen Products is now shipping the Stroke Off collection of 11 handheld strokers and four masturbators modeled after lifelike body parts.

Nobü Unveils 'Gyrä' Vibrating Grinding Pad

Nobü has introduced the new Gyrä vibrating grinding pad.

Orion Introduces New 3-Motor Vibrator From 'Sweet Smile' Line

Orion Wholesale has debuted the new three-motor RC G- & P-Spot Vibrator from its Sweet Smile line.

C1R Debuts 'Vers' Suction Dildo, Butt Plug

C1R has introduced its new Vers liquid silicone suction dildo and butt plug.

Blush Erotica, The Kinky Candle Company Partner for Branded Candle

Blush Erotica has partnered with The Kinky Candle Company for an official branded candle.

Violet Voss to Collaborate With IronTech Doll on Realistic Replica

Violet Voss has signed an exclusive deal with IronTech Doll to create a sex doll modeled after her.

Honey's Place Now Shipping 'Teacher's Pet' Collection From Xgen Products

Honey’s Place is now distributing the Teacher's Pet collection from Xgen Products.

Zini Releases Reimagined Version of 'Roae+' Toy

Zini is reintroducing its brand with the release of the latest reiteration of its Roae+ signature toy.

Hustler Hollywood, 'Shameless Sex' Team Up for Workshop Series

"Shameless Sex" podcast hosts Amy Baldwin and April Lampert have joined forces with Hustler Hollywood for a workshop series titled “Shameless Ways [for Couples] to Have More Pleasure.”

Show More