Govt inquiry into porn. planned

Press, 16 July 1987, Page 1

Govt inquiry into porn. planned

Political reporter A Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into pornography is being set up by the Government The Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer, said research suggested there was a connection between the portrayal of sexual violence and violent attitudes towards women. Pornography had been an issue of serious concern to the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into Violence, chaired by Sir Clinton Roper. The new inquiry into pornography would be an essential element of Labour’s policy on women to be announced soon by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Mrs Hercus. Violent and degrading attitudes towards women were not acceptable, just as racism was not acceptable, Mr Palmer said. The woriying message implicit in some pornographic material now available was that men were entitled to treat women with violence, and that women were the sexual subordinates or mere objects for the sexual gratification of men. He said the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry would have three members, including two women, one of whom would chair it. The committee had seven terms of reference: To investigate and report on the production, distribution and content of pornography available jn New Zealand, and make recommendations for its evaluation. To consider technological developments in communications and their implications for the transmission of pornographic material across international boundaries. To examine the relevant legislation — including the Indecent Publications Act, 1963; the Filins Act, 1983; arid the Video Recordings Act, 1987 — and the criteria for determining whether material should be prohibited or restricted. To inquire into the sort of restrictions that should apply to different types of material. To inquire into the nature of the body or bodies that should be responsible for determining whether material should be prohibited or restricted. To inquire into the social, educative and other measures which should be adopted to counter the production and distribution of pornographic material in the community. To Inquire into whether licences should be revoked or refused to any liquor outlets presenting pornographic entertainment Mr Palmer said the Committee of Inquiry would report back within 12 months.