Remits on social issues supported

Press, 30 September 1986, Page 3

Remits on social issues supported

Nelson reporter A variety of social issues contained in remits and in urgent notices of motions received the support of the National Council of Women at its biennial conference in Nelson. As a result the Government will be asked to: ® Curb the proliferation of pornographic material. ® Ensure that self-in-duced intoxication is not admissible as a defence in criminal prosecutions. • Campaign against parents buying war toys, and allowing their children to take part in pseudo war games. ® Legislate so that those in permanent parttime work have the same status as full-time workers.

• Expedite the legislative changes in the Equal Pay Act. 9 Reject the user-pays principle proposed to be applied to tertiary education.

Yesterday, the last day of the three-day conference, the council also reaffirmed its support of regular home milk deliveries.

The only remit yesterday which failed to receive council approval was one seeking reimbursement by local body representatives who incur expenses for the care of children or dependent relatives whiie engaged on official business. The remit was defeated, 82 votes to 58.

Earlier this year submissions were made by the council to the Royal Commission on Broadcasting against pornography and violence in videos and films.

In considering the remit on pornography, delegates were told that pornography affected the image and self-image, health, safety and welfare of people. It was suggested that the Government could act to curb the proliferation of this material by legislation banning any public or private presentation of material determine to be pornographic.