Adjudication No. 436 (May 1990) [1990] APC 8

ADJUDICATION No. 436 (May 1990)

While sympathising with a complainant concerning a "sexist" quote in the Adelaide Advertiser, the Press Council dismissed the complaint.

Ms D. Easton complained to the Australian Press Council about a quote in The Advertiser, of 23 February 1990 in the column "At a glance with Marty Smith". This stated:

From the quotebook

"Good dogs are like a good wife -- honest, hard working, smart but dumb enough to be completely loyal and still love you despite the odd kick and frequent abuse." -- Queensland cattledog breeder R.A. Franklin, 1987

Ms Easton complained that this was a breach of taste so gross as to bring the press into disrepute. Ms Easton also said that her letter of protest to the newspaper was not published.

Although the editor did not publish Ms Easton's letter of complaint, he did apologise for the offence she felt. He does not feel that such views should be censored.

It is better for the public to know that outrageous views exist in the community than to mislead it by omission.