Tube bans ?raunchy? Gay Times advert

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Tube chiefs banned an Underground­ advertisement for Gay Times because it was considered too raunchy.

The poster campaign, which was approved by advertising­ watchdogs, is aimed at celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legalisation­ of homosexuality.

But London Underground refused to allow the image of a scantily-clad male and what appeared to be his partner to be used on the network, arguing­ one of the models­ was in an “unnecessary­ state of undress”.

Another poster with the same man in a less revealing pose was finally approved with the campaign kicking off today.

A spokesman for Gay Times said: “In our opinion, their refusal­ is totally unjustified considering some of the heterosexual­ ads on display at the moment.

“By having a couple in a natural pose, consumers can infer that they are a couple.

“The freedom issue is all about celebrating this fact, and the fact couples of the same sex have the same rights as heterosexual couples.

“The use of naked imagery throughout times has been used to promote a sexual liberation­, and finally, after 40 long years of struggle, gay men and women now have full ­legal equality, something worthy of celebration.” The ­rejected image will be the cover of the August issue of Gay Times, on sale today.

Gay Times editor Joseph Galliano said: “It’s an intimate picture, not sensationalist. The irony is we are using the image to promote our ­August issue marking the 40th ­anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality.”

Transport for London said: “We are in discussions to see if we can find an outcome ­acceptable to both parties.”