Irish Politician Blasts Government-Funded Ad Urging Grandparents To Seek Consent Before Hugging Grandkids
Irish councillor Gavin Pepper has criticised a government-supported campaign encouraging grandparents to seek consent before hugging their grandchildren, accusing authorities of abandoning a bit of common sense.
The 25-second public service announcement, released by We-Consent, a project of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, states: “Not everyone wants a hug. Even from the people who love them.”
It adds,“Awkward? Maybe. Important? Absolutely.”
Reacting to the viral advert, Pepper accused the government and non-governmental organisations of “losing the run of ourselves” in a Facebook post accompanying the video.
“Of course children should be taught about boundaries and nobody should ever be forced into physical contact they don’t want,” he wrote. “But we also need a bit of common sense.”
He described the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren as “one of the most important bonds in Irish family life,” arguing that “a hug from a loving grandparent should not be presented as something strange or suspicious.”
Pepper also criticised what he described as constant efforts to change traditions, insisting that “there comes a point where people are entitled to say: leave some things alone.”
“Irish culture, family and traditions matter,” he added, while urging authorities to promote respect for personal boundaries without losing sight of common sense.
We-Consent, which receives support from Ireland’s departments of Justice and Children, Disability and Equality, describes itself as a national initiative focused on educating and engaging the public about consent.
