FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com APRIL 23, 2015 • THE COURIER SUN 11 Queens pol proposes law to ban sexy transit ads BY ALINA SURIEL [email protected]/@Alinangelica Parents and lawmakers want to restore a little bit of innocence in a vulgar world — or at least in the public transit system. If passed, new legislation introduced by state Senator Leroy G. Comrie will prohibit advertising alcoholic beverages and provocative content to minors on state-owned property. According to the senator, the aim of the bill is to protect children from negative messages, and protect the families from intrusion of content inappropriate for children while in a public space or using mass transit. Comrie said that instead of promoting a vice-fi lled lifestyle, public advertising should encourage children to think of their futures. “When demand for such advertising space is already high, the state should either opt to conduct business with companies that do not choose to sell themselves using sex or alcohol, or use the state’s advertising budget to promote community improvement initiatives, such as anti-drug campaigns,” Comrie said. The bill was introduced only a few weeks after the senator received complaints on the issue from concerned parents. To strengthen their stance, supporters of the legislation cite studies that have shown that media taken in by adolescents may be an important factor determining whether they initiate sexual intercourse. The members of the community who advocated for the change said that they thought provocative advertising was a destructive force in the lives of local children. “In our urban neighborhoods, we need positive images, and our kids need to know that there are other things out there than liquor and sex,” Clarence Wittingham said. The senate still has a couple of weeks in which bills will be introduced, and in this time Comrie’s A new law proposed by state Senator Leroy Comrie looks to ban provocative ads in state owned spaces, such as major hubs of transportation. offi ce will be seeking support for the advertising bill from other members in the senate and local advocacy groups. Senator Comrie is currently in talks with another legislator to co-sponsor the bill and move File photo it forward for a vote, but staff members at his offi ce declined to name the potential co-sponsor. The bill would take effect 90 days after being voted into law. Great rates like ours are always in season. 24-Month CD 1.25%APY* At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. $5,000 minimum deposit *New money only. APY effective April 2, 2015. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark
SC04232015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above