NSW & Vic Youth: say NO to sexualised advertising

The youth initiated petition calling for citizens in NSW and Victoria to say ‘NO’ to sexualized advertisements on roads and public spaces now has over 4000 signatures – over 2000 coming from NSW citizens and over 2000 from Victoria.

19-year-old university student, Matthew Restall, is leading the push in Victoria. 

He organised a petition shortly before World Youth Day after being offended when he saw four explicit images of a lady lying in erotic positions on the side of a ute advertising car washing business.

“I believe state law in Victoria and NSW should be changed to ensure children and women be given the fullest dignity and respect they deserve,” he said.

“The petition aims to ensure that children enjoy a longer innocent childhood and are not brainwashed into believing that the world revolves around sex. It also hopes to increase road safety by the removal of distracting and offensive images from the sides of roads and vehicles,” Mr Restall said.

Key signatories on the petition include Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Cardinal Pell; Catholic Archbishop of Canberra, Most Rev. Mark Coleridge; and Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Most Rev. Denis Hart. As well, key signatories from other faiths include Imam of Omar Mosque in NSW, Mohammad Anas; Public relations officer for the Australian National Imams Council, Sheikh Mohamadu Saleem; and Baptist Pastor, Rev. Paul Mosiejczuk.

Heading the Sydney and NSW arm of the campaign is Bridget Spinks, 23, who is now co-ordinating with citizens who want to join in the effort. 

“The plan for early next year is that two banners that say “Youth say NO to sex ads” will travel around NSW and Vic respectively stopping at key towns and cities across the state along the way – similar to the Olympic torch or the WYD Cross and Icon.”

“We’re calling on the youth to get involved and pass the banner from city to city in NSW and Victoria.”

"When the banner stops in a given town in early 2009, the youth would gather and have an opportunity to sign the petition, and also paint the name of their town onto the banner. This will highlight the far-reaching nature of the issue,” she said.

“The reason we’re so against sexualized advertising is that when advertising makes references to sex or shows women as sexual objects of men it degrades the sexual act to just another activity you do with your boyfriend/girlfriend or partner - when really it is rather the most sacred, intimate and special act a couple can do together. That’s why it should be protected and sex should be put back in the private sphere," she said.

“By making a stand now against a culture that has no respect for sex and its consequences, we can turn the tide on the mores of today for a strong future of Australians,” said Ms Spinks.

“If we don’t do something about this now, who knows what our kids in 2020 will be facing, seeing and having to deal with?”

- If you are in NSW or Victoria, and you haven't signed the petition or asked your Parish Priest if it can be put in the back of your Church ... head to : http://www.notosexualadvertisements.info/

- Then, download the petition which pertains to your state and get everyone you know who supports the move to sign it, and send it to the reply address at the bottom of the sheet. Act now!

- If you are in a youth group or you are a youth group leader, register your interest in the  2009 "passing the banner" part of the campaign and Bridget or Matthew will coordinate with you to make a public witness.

- You can contact Matthew or Bridget by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to show your support. If you can’t help physically, they are also looking for funding or donations for the project. And prayers.