Stronger legislation to restrain pornography underway

By Ofentse Mokae
11 March 2010

The Family Policy Institute has called for a stronger enforcement of current legislation and introduction of additional legislation to restrict pornography even further.

This follows the institute’s research on the harmful effects of pornography on Marriage, which has led them to propose that government should explore imposing additional restrictions on access to pornography using legislation.

Today the leadership of the institute held a meeting with home affairs deputy minister Malusi Gigaba together with officials from the Film and Publication Board.

In a media statement the home affairs department says the meeting noted the displeasure of the majority in society who are angered by the conception of an idea of the 24 hour pornography channel.

Gigaba said in the constitution, the rights of the child take precedence on matters involving the child.

“The right to Freedom of Expression is not absolute and should not be used to put children at risk. Pornography is already available at Adults Shops without any restrictions whatsoever for adults and there is no reason to bring it to our living rooms,” Gigaba said.

His department further says he approached the Law Reform Commission (LRC) to advise him to ban pornography on public media, mobile phones and the internet.

It is expected that he will meet the commission in May for steps to be taken on this course.

“Once the response is received, legislation will be developed accordingly,” the department says.