Yeh, but, how very dare you?
Frothing Christians are feeling a bit bovvered after being forced to censor themselves and withdraw posters featuring some well-known catchphrases. Yeh, but, no, but, yeh, but it’s true.
According to the Beeb, the comedians Catherine Tate, Matt Lucas and David Walliams have called in their lawyers after the group Christian Publishing and Outreach (CPO) used some of the choice phrases in posters it was selling to churches for £25 a set.
Catchphrases such as “Yeh, but, no, but” and “How very dare you?”, as well as Tate’s famous “Am I bovvered?” were used.
Under a catchphrase, each poster had a quotation from the Bible. Tate’s production company, Tiger Aspect, has confirmed it’s acting for her. Walliams and Lucas’s management have also said their their legal reps have been in touch with CPO.
The BBC News website says: “CPO admitted it had not sought permission to use the material, and said the posters had been withdrawn.”
The revelation has also interested the huge Doctor Who fan site, Outpost Gallifrey, which has featured the story. This is because Tate will next year be continuing her role as the new Doctor Who companion, Donna, introduced in last year’s Christmas special.
Can you copyright a catchprase? Either way, I hope they stick to those self-rightous evangelical assholes.
marc – My guess is that it’d come under intellectual property rights or some similar law.
Good point Andrew – hadn’t thought of that one. I can’t say I have much time for Walliams and Lucas – I’ve always found them crass, repetitive and over-rated. Tate is far more talented for my money. Either way, I wish them all very good luck for sticking to these right-whingers. It’s ironic that these prats pick stuff that they would readily condem as offensive when they want to make a point.
I do admire the irony in using a quote from an actor/writer who 1. Dresses up as a woman and 2. Is gay. Both things not exactly approved of by their “holy” book!