Socialist feminist group ROSA is organising an anti “manosphere” demonstration in the city on May 8.
But after the organisers asked the council for permission to erect the posters for the march, they were told to resubmit their design “minus images or names”
The bright green poster reads “MARCH AGAINST THE MANOSPHERE” – referring to the anti-feminist network of influencers.
It features a picture of Tesla founder Musk, in what has been criticised as a Nazi salute, as well as McGregor draped in an Irish flag, and US President Trump.
“Let’s take on MAGA, McGregor, Musk and their macho ilk,” says the slogan.
But the feminist group was told by DCC’s litter prevention officer Bernie Lillis that “we cannot approve the request to erect the posters as submitted, as we believe the images of the individuals presented and the way they are portrayed contravene our poster protocol”.
Ms Lillis explained that the poster protocol bans posters that could be “vulgar or offensive” or which could create “potential legal issues” for the local authority.
“In our opinion, the way the individuals are depicted in the posters could be considered offensive, either to the individuals themselves or to members of the public.
“Dublin City Council welcomes tourists from around the world, and we must be mindful of their views as well as those of our own citizens when making decisions like this.
“We cannot allow the erection of posters that may present a risk of being offensive. Further, it is essential that we act with probity, impartiality, and in a non-discriminatory manner,” Ms Lillis said in an email to ROSA.
Dublin City Council has been approached for comment.
Ruth Coppinger, the socialist TD who is closely affiliated with ROSA and who is due to speak at the event, said that this was “unbelievable censorship” and a restriction on the right to organise protests in the capital.
“All protests by their nature are offensive and posters frequently have pictures of personalites — in this case, ROSA featured powerful individuals who promote dangerous ideas or policies against women or vulnerable minorities,” Ms Coppinger sasid.
“What is offensive is the violent misogyny being spewed out to young boys on the mansophere that encourages rape and violence and depicts women as mere objects. Sexual violence has risen in line with the manosphere.”
She explained that ROSA had offered another version of the poster which replaced McGregor with Andrew Tate, “but this was deemed unacceptable too.”
“And since they refer to tourism, the Council’s objection is to Trump in reality — can you no longer feature the US president on a poster?” she said.
“ROSA is appealing to people to share the poster online as much as possible to cut across this disgraceful censorship and to attend the protest on Thursday.”
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