The internet search engine Google will allow advertisements for religious associations and organizations on its websites, it was announced on Monday. Google reacted to a lawsuit filed against it in April by the British anti-abortion group “The Christian Institute” by deciding to permit religious advertisements, the New York Times reported on Monday.
The organization accused Google of discrimination on religious grounds after it was not allowed to advertise on Google’s pages in a campaign against abortion. Google confirmed the news report regarding the new guidelines on advertisements related to abortion. “Abortion is a highly emotional topic and Google does not take a specific position,” Google stated.
The company has been reviewing its guidelines in recent months to ensure they are “fair and in line with the latest developments,” the statement further noted. “We decided to amend the guidelines to provide equal conditions for all and to allow religious organizations to appropriately place advertisements about abortions,” Google explained.
In selling advertisements online, Google adheres to certain guidelines. For example, it does not allow advertisements that glorify violence or ads for products made from endangered animals. Until now, Google has sold the possibility of advertising under the term “abortion” exclusively to customers without a religious background, such as doctors.
The New York Times reported that Google reached an agreement with Christian organizations last week, but the details of the agreement are not known. Google will, according to the newspaper, henceforth allow religious groups to advertise under the term “abortion” provided that it is fact-based and not solely emotional. (H)
