An ad released by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) in Ireland that urged grandparents to ask for consent before hugging their grandchildren sparked international controversy after it began airing last month and has since been removed.In September, an ad from the DRCC’s "We-Consent" campaign went viral for showing grandparents greeting their grandchildren.One grandchild appears receptive to a hug, while the other does not.
A narrator says, "Not everyone wants a hug, even from the people who love them.Awkward? Maybe.
Important? Absolutely."The ad has since been removed and criticized by politicians from multiple parties in Ireland.The BBC reported that Irish Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan of the Fianna Fáil party, whose department funded the campaign, announced the video has been removed after discussion with the DRCC, and declared, it "does not represent the views of the Government."IRISH PM SAYS IRELAND 'NOT OVERRUN' BY MIGRANTS, LEGAL MIGRATION TIED TO ECONOMIC SUCCESSThe ad showed grandparents greeting their grandchildren, one of whom appeared happy to receive affection.(Screenshot/Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) ad)"It was both inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents and has been removed by DRCC following my officials engagement with them," O'Callaghan said.
"While it is vital to ensure that people understand the concept of consent when it comes to sexual relationships, this video did not advance that aim and in many ways was counterproductive."Irish Sen.Gareth Scahill of the Fine Gael party blasted the video as a waste of public funds."What's concerning here is public money has been used to fund an ad which at best has been ill-thought out, and at worst is offensive and potentially damaging to our older population," Scahill said.
"The issue of consent is a very serious one, and I acknowledge the important work the Rape Crisis Centre and other agencies do every day to advocate for all victims of rape and sexual violence, including children.""But...