Video laws ‘will cut range’

Press, 7 October 1985, Page 15

Video laws ‘will cut range’

Legislation covering video tape classification and distribution would narrow the range of material available, said the Minister of Customs, Mrs Shields. It would enable people “to see only what they want to see, ana what they think they are going to see”. Mrs Shields said in an interview with the “Rotorua Post” that the legislation was being drafted now, and would be introduced in Parliament this year. It would be passed next year. It would provide proper classification, control the range of material imported, and provide consistency. “The legislation will probably lead to a narrowing of the range of material available, though not dramatically so,” she said. “It will provide for both control and classification of video tapes through an independent authority.” While admitting the present situation was “a mess,” Mrs Shields said legislation adopted by countries similar to New Zealand was inappropriate, and in many cases did not work.

Customs, Justice, and Internal Affairs Departments, which all had responsibilities in the area, reported on “the system of dealing with video tapes which may be indecent” earlier this year. “Since publication of that

report I have had discussions with the other Ministers, and I have been in contact with individuals and groups to gather opinions on the effect pornography is having on the behaviour of members of our society,” she said. “The Government is now ready to take the next step.”

The problem of video “nasties” was balancing the strong feelings of many adults who did not want to be limited in what they saw in their own homes, against those who wanted some censorship. “The concept of laws protecting people from things that occur in their own home is not new — incest, wife-bashing and drug abuse

are legislated against Video films intended for home viewing have so far escaped this net” she said. The new law would close this loophole, and in doing so its censorship would focus on: • Material that “could or would give impressionable or immature individuals a distorted view of reality”. • Material that could cause some individuals to behave in an anti-social, dangerous, or aberrant fashion.

“I don’t want a regime where people can burst into someone’s house, but the Government must set proper standards,” she said.

“I believe there is a good deal of support for this move both from the public and the video retailers.”

The law would provide for proper classification of material, so that people “see only what they want to see, and incidentally what they think they are going to see’’.

“My department has had lots of complaints from people who have taken out a family entertainment video, only to have trailers shown at the end which are far from suitable for young people.” The legislation would also material entering the country, “and that is an increasing problem at the moment as other countries seek to

dump their unwanted videos on us. It will provide con-

sistency.” “In the past, court rulings have varied from one judge to another, but that will not happen in future.” The legislation would probably lead to a narrow-' mg of the range of material available “though not

dramatically so” as some people uncertain of the ■ worthiness of a tape tended to “have a go” under present circumstances. “In the end, only the quality of our judgment voluntary restraint and common sense will lessen. I the incidence of rubbish videos.” Mrs Shields said.