Models at Brussels show told to cover up
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Belgium's equal opportunities minister criticized automakers' use of women in body-hugging outfits such as this one seen at the 2007 Belgium auto show. Photo credit: Reuters |
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BRUSSELS (Reuters) -- Carmakers showing off their latest vehicles at the Brussels auto show later this month have been told to refrain from using scantily dressed women to promote their wares.
Reports of lewd behavior by some male visitors at last year's event prompted Belgium's equal opportunities minister Joelle Milquet to write to the organizers.
She criticized the use of women in body-hugging outfits for advertising purposes. "A motor show is a place where you go with your family, we have to question the stereotypes we are passing on to children and young adults," the minister wrote.
Belgian car federation Febiac, which organizes the annual event, said that following the letter it had asked carmakers to ensure appropriate dress at their stands.
"We asked them to be responsible and sensible and we hope that everything will go well," a spokesman for Febiac said.
The organizers of the Jan. 11-20 show are expecting to attract about 350,000 visitors.
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