Venezuelan authorities will punish television stations that don't obey orders to stop airing 'Family Guy', because they believe the show promotes the use and legalization of marijuana.
Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami says he doesn't think there's any doubt it, the animated comedy "promotes the consumption and also sponsors the legalization of marijuana."
He calls the show a part of the "propaganda machine" of the United States that aims to "control the drug market" by setting up military bases in the country. He believes that Venezuelans have been corrupted by American values and require a new moral code.
"We have said that the content of messages coming from cable must also be regulated because it can not be that we are bombarded with so much garbage media. There must be one answer for what is broadcast on television channels. All the cable companies to transmit that content will be sanctioned according to law."
The minister was specifically outraged by an episode where Stewie and Brian sing a song about legalizing marijuana called 'Bag of Weed'. In the song, an officer of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is even seen lighting up a marijuana cigarette.
"We see how in the collective imagination of the American people the DEA is seen as a facilitator who provides support to drug use," explains El Aissami.
The government of President Hugo Chavez is preparing to impose new regulations that, among other rules, may force networks to carry Chavez's frequent speeches.
It's not the first time that the Venezuelan government has lashed out against Fox's animated shenanigans.
In April 2008, the country forced a private television channel to move 'The Simpsons' from its daytime slot because it deemed that it was not suitable for children. It's replacement was the very educational 'Baywatch Hawaii'.
Check out the 'Bag of Weed' song referenced below:
Venezuelan authorities will punish television stations that don't obey orders to stop airing '
