Are animated GIFs still forbidden in the body of a post?

I understand why animated GIFs are not allowed for avitars. It will slow down browsers every time someone posts their message. But I've also assumed that was true for the body of a post. Still, I have a specific interest looking at recent sea level temperature changes:

http://weather.unisys.com/archive/sst/sst_anom_loop.gif

• It shows the warm waters off the North American west coast that is leading to current drastic forest fires
• It also shows the development of El Nino that may provide waters needed to flood and break the USA west coast and western USA drought

I'm seeking clarification of the policy on animated gifs. Too bad advertisers are allowed freedoms to post animation not available to mere mortal users.

Thanks,
Bob Wilson