Parody is one of the most effective ways to tell the world that we care about an issue that affects us. It's also simply a great way to make a joke. 

But parodies of copyrighted films and music are not currently allowed under UK copyright law, unless you have the permission of the person who owns the copyright.

The fact that we don't have a parody 'exception' in copyright law is stifling many things that a democratic society should encourage.

Time and again creative, thoughtful and just plain funny works are removed from public view, from innovative creative reworkings of famous songs or films through to the ambitious and important work of campaigning organisations. All because some people can't take a joke. 

Last summer Greenpeace had their most creative campaigning videos removed from YouTube because they dared to remake Volkswagon's Star Wars themed adverts. In 2010, innovative British songwriters Alex Warren and Terema Wainwright saw their 'Newport State of Mind' parody taken down from YouTube just at it exploded in popularity.

But there is good news. Change could be around the corner. The Government is thinking about introducing a new 'exception' to copyright that would make works of parody and pastiche legal. 

So we have a unique opportunity to get the law changed so that it supports rather than punishes the art of parody.

We need your help to tell policy makers that copyright law needs to grow a sense of humour. 

Want to learn more? Discuss what we should do next? Or just jump into action?

Come along to our supporters meeting.

Monday 23nd Jan, 7pm to 9pm

We'll be having some great (expert) speakers on the subject, an opportunity to discuss censorship and its problems/merits, and get more involved in ORG's actions and campaigns.