A CAMPAIGN is in full swing by a group of feminists to remove men’s magazines from supermarkets and newsagents, stating that they are sexist and degrading.

While I agree that it can be construed that they depict women as sex objects, I firmly believe that they should not be taken from the shelves.

It seems to me that UK Feminista and Object, who are running the campaign will not stop until they have achieved their wish.

The Co-Operative has already said that, from next month, it will require publishers to cover the magazines in pre-sealed “modesty bags.”

But, apparently that is not enough for the campaigners, with UK Feminista director Kat Banyard quoted as saying that the Co-Op’s stance is only a “half-hearted” measure that will still involve them profiting from the sexism that is inherent in the magazines.

However, if there is a complete ban and “lads mags” are removed from shelves it could create a dangerous precedent.

It could be argued that it will impinge on the publishers’ freedom of expression, as well as freedom of goods and services.

Billboards regularly use images of scantily-clad women to promote products, and you only have to turn the TV on to see someone wearing not very much (and I am talking men as well as women). The British Soap Awards has “sexiest male” and “sexiest female” categories, so should they be removed?

I have read and heard an argument that one of the reasons that lads mags should be removed is because children can look at them and it sends out a wrong message about what women are like.

Well, may I suggest that someone looks at celebrity magazines, which are full of women (most of whom are much thinner than the girls you see on the covers of Zoo or Nuts) in bikinis. And, you only have to walk down the High Street on a hot summer’s day to see women wearing cropped tops and shorts.

Should they cover up more to protect children? And what about beaches? Should people be banned from sunbathing in bikinis?

Lads mags are generally on the top shelves, not near the sweets, as Jo Swinson, minister for women and equalities, seems to believe, and what is wrong with the “modesty” boards that can be used to cover them up anyway?

They mean the magazines do not end up being “in your face”, while still allowing consumers to look through them and decide whether they want to buy them. It is their choice.

But, that is not enough for the feminists who want to go for a full-on ban.

And, if we’re going to go into a sexism debate, may I also suggest that someone takes a look at some of the comments that some women make about men and “how useless we are”. Watch an episode of Loose Women to see what I am talking about.

What do you think lads mags should be banned? Vote on the poll below.

You can also read about Lydia Johnson's take on the subject here.