Condom ads in public places

A Goa legislator on Tuesday demanded a ban on condom advertisements, featuring actress Sunny Leone, on buses operated by the state transport corporation, saying it “shames us”. He added, “What are these ads telling Goans. Students use buses... Goans use the bus.”

Condom ads in public places, like buses and hoardings where everyone can see, however, may be a way to educate the masses about safe sex. But when lawmakers themselves raise objections to ads that promote safe sex, can it be pushed further?

We ask sex educators, feminists and political thinkers about their views on family planning, protection, and safe sex ads in public spaces. Are they detrimental to the society, or do they actually encourage safer sex?

‘The ads are merely means to drive focus’
It is regressive to be imposing such a ban when we live in a country where sex education and contraceptive awareness are very critical. As lawmakers, it is important to focus on facilitating an environment that promotes responsible sexual behaviour instead of opposing it. The advertisements are merely means to drive attention and focus towards safe and responsible sex, and the politicians should understand this simple fact.
– Varnika Sharma, Creative Director, India Intimate Fashion Week

‘There are better ways to educate people about condoms’
You take the ads away from buses, public places and then what’s going to happen? I don’t understand why people have to keep kids away from what is important to them at that age; it’s not only about condoms. They should also be educating woman about contraception, female condoms and more. But the thing is, we usually advertise condoms in a very sexualised and objectified manner, and that’s exactly why there’s Sunny Leone in the ad — that’s a problem. There are better ways to educate people about condoms. I have nothing against Sunny; I think the woman is amazing. But when you have condoms portrayed in such sexualised manner, the impression that kids get about the whole act of sex is entirely wrong. That puts them in a very confused state of mind. But I would again like to say that having condom ads in public places must be encouraged, but not in this objectified manner. 
–Vaishnavi Sundar, filmmaker

‘Can’t compromise on health in the name of indian culture’
Although sex may be considered taboo, people are clearly having it in abundance. There is no shame to be considered when we know that pregnant women can pass on STDs to their babies, resulting in many severe complications. How can lawmakers not support a sexually healthy population and dissemination of information about safe sex via condom ads? In the name of Indian culture, these so-called flag bearers of tradition are compromising the health of current and future generations. 

Ads in public places have a larger audience whether it is on the side of a bus or on an elevator door. This translates into more awareness and resultant sexual responsibility. Safe sex predominantly supports a woman’s choice to have a baby or not, apart from preventing the spread of STDs among all genders. 

‘Sunny is the perfect ambassador for a condom ad’
A condom ad is a condom ad, and like every ad, it gives a customer the power of choice. And, it promotes safe sex, which in many ways is quite useful to the society. We use toothpaste, talcum powder and underarm deodorants. If there is nothing wrong in advertising those products, there is nothing wrong in condom ads either. Probably the next step by politicians would be to deport Sunny Leone to some remote island far away from India. If you were to ask me, Sunny Leone would be the perfect ambassador for a condom ad, because she is considered to be an erotic diva and a sex symbol. As long as sex is practiced by society, condoms are relevant and should be advertised. The advertising should be in good taste though.
– Venugopal R., ad man and writer 

‘TV ads should be dealt with a little more subtlety’
I don’t really know why the MLA had to say that but I don’t agree with him at all. There shouldn’t be a ban on these advertisements. In India, it is still awkward to talk about safe sex. And until you initiate that conversation, we will still remain in the dark ages. Maybe we can single out places for the hoarding ads, like near slum areas, where there is a need for awareness. And as far as TV ads are concerned, it should be dealt with little more subtlety, and not in-your-face raunchiness.
– Abhimanika Tavi, former Mrs India, South

‘These may not educate directly’
This is purely reflective of the mindset of our country’s people. These ads, or even a few celebrities endorsing these commercials, may not really educate the people directly, but would help create awareness about safe sex to a certain extent. As far as the MLA is concerned, I guess he may not be aware of history of our culture, and may not have visited places like Khajuraho, which has very aesthetically painted art depicting the same. Apart from this, I strongly object to any visual pollution at the public places or transport. Let’s first get comfortable with the idea of discussing it, and not just tantalising the entire point.
– Neetu Sharma, HoD, Acharya Bangalore B School