Russian takes 'The Simpsons' to European court

[Starbucks Anarchist]

MOSCOW (AFP) - A Russian lawyer who says the US animated television satire "The Simpsons" has caused moral harm to his son plans to petition the European Court of Human Rights after a Russian court rejected his case for the show to be removed from prime-time viewing slots.

The lawyer, Igor Smykov, charged that the popular program, syndicated in many countries around the world, spread "propaganda of violence, cruelty, drugs and homosexuality," but a spokeswoman for the Moscow court that heard his case confirmed it was rejected.

In addition to demanding that broadcast of the show on Russian television be confined to late viewing slots less likely to be seen by children, Smykov also sought 300,000 rubles (around 10,000 dollars, 8,500 euros) in compensation for moral damage to his family, particularly his nine-year-old son.

Last March, lawmakers from the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party tried but failed to have the culture ministry ban broadcast of "The Simpsons" on Russian television.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051124/lf_afp/afplifestylerussia_051124221533

[Spinzonner]

1. D'oh

[Eric J in MN]

2. What he doesn't realize, it that saying

we have to stop "The Simpsons" because it promotes homosexuality will be greeted so badly in the EU Court, it will sink his case.

[w13rd0]

3. Nice to see that dumbassery isn't...

...solely confined to the United States...

[Evergreen Emerald]

8. My new word for the day

"dumbassery" It is fitting on so many levels these days.

[Massacure]

4. If the Russian shot this case down,

they probably used an RPG. When the Europeans shoot this case down, they will use a stinger.

That's my figurative language for the day. :P

[formercia]

5. I think Russians relate to the show.

can't be any worse than the defunct Soviet model.

[UncleSepp]

6. Zhirinovsky's people again

Do they sit up nights thinking of ways to combine rightwing nationalism with sheer silliness?

[1monster]

7. Say, Igor, that is what that little button on the television set and on

the remote control is for, yaknow? You just push one or the other button, and, Hey Presto! no more Simpsons playing in your living room!

It's what parenting is all about.

[Deja Q]

9. Liberal Democrats banning a tv show?!

Wow, their liberal dems want to ban everything. Just like how our fascist conservatives want to here.

And more sins of homosexuality! May I ask which episode he saw? The recent Selma-is-gay-like-we-already-knew story!

[Coventina]

10. Patty is the lesbian, not Selma

Just FYI

:hi:

[TyeDye75]

11. Is it 1990 or something

I remember people wanting to ban it over hear lol... idiots

[whatelseisnew]

12. How much u wanna bet the kid loves it? n/t

[skygazer]

13. I guess Russian tv's don't have "off" buttons

Or channel changers. That really sucks....