Skeptics want disclaimer with astrology columns

- 1 May 1987

A group called New Zealand Skeptics has called on newspapers and magazines in New Zealand to carry a disclaimer with their astrology columns.

The group, whose full name is the New Zealand Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, is holding its first annual Meeting in Dunedin this week.

A founding member, Professor B. H..Howard of Lincoln College, said most educated people treat astrology as a joke, or at best as harmless entertainment.

“But there are many less sophisticated readers who take it quite seriously,

“Despite the fact that scientific studies continue to indicate there is no scientific foundation for astrological predictions, overseas polls show an increasing belief in horoscopes, especially among youth.”

The Skeptics would like to see run with every astrology column a disclaimer which reads:

“These forecasts are provided for entertainment. They have no reliable basis in scientific fact.”

Professor Howard said that by running the disclaimer newspapers can show a sense of responsibility towards their more naive or impressionable readers.

“The disclaimer embarrasses no one, but it would show journalistic integrity. It will rebound to the credit of those newspapers that use it without spoiling the fun of those who enjoy reading their horoscope.” The Skeptics praised the Otago Daily Times for recently including the phrase “For entertainment’ with each of its astrology columns.

“The ODT has demonstrated good journalistic sense by including this gentle, good-natured reminder with its astrology columns,” Professor Howard said. ”We hope that other responsible newspapers in New Zealand will follow its example.”

The foundation president of Australian Skeptics, Mr Mark Plummer, who is in Dunedin for the conference, and the Skeptics are not out to stop anyone having a good time.

But a study of Australian newspapers showed the horoscopes say different things on the same day,

He said people go along to parties, chat someone up, discover they are a Virgo and they are not compatible and do not follow up.

“But suppose I’m sceptical because I’m a Virgo myself,” he said tongue-in-cheek.