BI Publisher 11g errors with "A parameter name contains ... is not allowed"

Summary

A parameter name contains any of the characters (~, !, #, $, %, ^, &, *, +, `, |, \",\', \\\\, <, >, ?, ,, /) is not allowed.

Content

This happens when I add the sql to the edit box. The SQL has been tested verbatim outside BI Publisher, parameters were part of the data model before the current change, any hints would be appreciated.

...

where     shp.shipment_gid = 'REGION.' || :P_SHIP_ID
       and orej.source_location_gid = 'CUSTOMER.' || :P_DEST

Version

Oracle® Business Intelligence Publisher 11g Release 1 (11.1.1)