Brit minister says kids must see women’s rights film full of F-word fusillade

LONDON - Children should be allowed to see a film that contains 17 uses of the F-word as it has vital things to say about women’s rights, says a Brit minister.

Lynne Featherstone, the equalities minister, called on the British Board of Film Classification to lower the rating for ‘Made in Dagenham’ from a 15-certificate to a 12A.

The film is the story of female machinists at the Ford car plant who went on strike in 1968 in protest at being paid less than their male colleagues.

Their efforts paved the way for the Equal Pay Act.

“I’ve seen Made In Dagenham and, while I’m not a fan of bad language, it strikes me that the use of the f-word is completely in context,” the Telegraph quoted Featherstone as telling the Sunday Times.

“I also think it’s really important that young people see this film to understand the fight for rights which went on then and how some of these battles are still being fought.

“It’s really important for youngsters to see this social history,” she said.

The Liberal Democrat minister made the comments in the wake of a row over the 15-certificate for ‘The King’s Speech,’ a period drama in which King George VI played by Colin Firth, utters the f-word during treatment to cure his stammer.

The filmmakers complained about the rating and the BBFC duly lowered it to a 12A.

Stephen Woolley, producer of ‘Made in Dagenham,’ said it was a clear case of double standards.

“This decision is obviously about kings and queens being allowed to swear, but workers should know their place,” he said.

However, the BBFC said the classification would stand.

The film is already on general release and the swearing is “a different case altogether” from ‘The King’s Speech.’

A spokesman said: “Although the word is uttered, it only occurs in two scenes in ‘The King’s Speech,’ whereas with ‘Made in Dagenham’ it is spread over the film. Generally the uses occur as part of heated exchanges between characters.” (ANI)