Seattle Times Turns Down Vagina Monologues Ad Because of Image

The Seattle Weekly reports that the Seattle Times doesn't have the 'heart' to print an ad promoting a local benefit performance:

On February 24, in honor of "V-Day," the National Council of Jewish Women Seattle office is co-sponsoring two performances of the Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues at the Museum of History and Industry. To publicize the event, the group produced a print ad for placement in the Seattle Times, among other publications. But, much to the group's chagrin, the Times declined to run it unless the sponsors altered the artwork (pictured [here]) - which they refused to do. "The artwork was something we didn't feel was appropriate for our audience," says the Times' VP of advertising, Mei-Mei Chan....[Yet] Temple B'nai Torah and several area synagogues...[are] prominently displaying a poster with the artwork in question in their places of worship.

"The artwork was created by a member of my congregation," says Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg of B'nai Torah...."We have it hanging in several places in our Temple. I was just very disappointed that the Times didn't share our appreciation for what I consider to be tasteful and beautiful artwork. It's okay for a house of worship - I know it's hanging in many other synagogues and Jewish institutions. I have a lot of respect for the Seattle Times, so it was really surprising."

Take a look at the ad and then take the poll above. Was the Seattle Times right in refusing to print the ad? Or are they being prudish? Is it obvious - or innocuous?

Related article: Valentine's Day 2008 Marks 10th Anniversary of V-Day