A Muslim leader has claimed that RTÉ's objection to the word "crib" in a Veritas advertisement could be seen as suppression of religious freedom.
Imam Hussein Halawa of the Clonskeagh mosque in Dublin told The Irish Times that "freedom of religious expression, as a right of all the faithful, is in full conformity with the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The suppression of this freedom imposes one way on all."
Last week, Ireland's Catholic Bishops Conference expressed "concern and disappointment that the word 'crib' had to be omitted" from the script of an advertisement before RTÉ would broadcast it.
"The removal of the word 'crib' from the advertisement is both an affront to Christians and belies common sense in the context of Irish society and culture.
"Whether it is in the editing of a Veritas advertisement; or a creche policy to no longer hold the Christmas Nativity play; or, by discontinuing the placement of a crib in a hospital foyer, we are asking Christians to reflect on - and protect - what is the true spirit of Advent and Christmas, namely: a time to reflect on our life journey and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour."
Veritas, an agency of the Bishops' Conference, had commissioned its first RTÉ radio advertisement to promote Christmas gifts for sale in its shops.
RTÉ denied banning the word "crib" but claimed to have advised Veritas to seek clarification from the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, which has responsibility for such matters. "You can't interpret that as a ban," an RTÉ spokesman said.
As to Nativity plays, Imam Halawa said Muslims believed it was wrong to portray any prophet, including Jesus, whether by image or through a person. He said RTÉ's broadcasting of the Angelus was not a matter for him.