Poster couple ‘appalled’ image used for No vote

A couple, whose picture has been used on posters advocating a no vote in the marriage equality referendum, said they are “appalled” how their image is being used the campaign.

Australian comedian Adam Hills posted on Facebook that the two were friends of his wife and were “appalled that their faces are being used, without their permission, to promote something they wholeheartedly disagree with”.

So the faces saying No to Marriage Equality in Ireland are actually saying Yes #MarRef http://t.co/14kddcn1JA

— Adam Hills (@adamhillscomedy) May 5, 2015

Hills continued: “Unfortunately, the image in the poster is a stock photo — which means anyone can buy it and use it for whatever purpose they so desire.”

Hills became aware of the the posters when fellow comedian Jason Manford voiced his disgust at the message they portrayed.

It was then Hills recognised the couple and their small child as friends of his wife: “Regardless of how you feel about the vote — what a weird, horrible, ridiculous world we live in, in which a loving, caring, open-minded family unit can be used to advertise the very opposite of what that particular family unit believes.

“If any of my Irish friends see these posters, just know this — the beautiful family on that poster is all for marriage equality.”

Mothers and Fathers Matter, on the no side, said it does not respond to third parties claiming to speak for those in the photograph:“If the couple involved care to contact us directly, we will be pleased to demonstrate how use of this photo will help ensure that no child will be deliberately denied of the love of a mother or father.”

Clarifying our position on posters,as there's a non-story doing the rounds. Now let's get back to the #MarRef issues. pic.twitter.com/qUfWWgGXQK

— MFM_Ireland (@MFM_Ireland) May 6, 2015

READ MORE: The people on the No posters are in favour of marriage equality