Do-gooders now want to 'save the children' and ban porn

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 05 April 2010 10:52

IT Policy - Regulation

Oh God, here we go again, righteous types trying to tell free-thinking, law-abiding people what to do with their lives, are now on a campaign to ban porn magazines and lads mags from the newsagents, petrol stations and shops they've been in for years to 'save the children'.

OPINION: Watch out, Playboy, Penthouse, People, The Picture, Zoo, Ralph, Post and other such publications, a group of academics, child experts, TV stars and more have written to the Australian Attorneys-General effectively demanding they do something about these types of magazines in stores.

They want them restricted to adults-only premises, which just like the proposed Australian Internet filter doesn't actually deal with the 'problem' but shuts them out from view, making them more attractive in a way that all bans end up doing.

The AAP's article over at the SMH on the topic warns of 'teen sex' magazines that have over 18 women dressed up to look like teens, in seductive poses or even in sex acts, with the article saying that: 'Under Australian censorship laws it is illegal to use under-age models or models who appear to be under 18'.

Well, if that's the law, then damn well enforce it, and tell publishers not to do those types of photo shoots. If Penthouse, Playboy, Ralph, Zoo etc are doing this, they should be reminded of the existing law, not threatened with the effective destruction of their businesses, a business that is run legally, has run legally for decades, and has huge numbers of everyday Australians as customers.

The article (and plenty of others on the topic, here's one from the ABC) have statements from people like Julie Gale, the director of the lobby group Kids Free 2B Kids, who said in the AAP article that: 'But allowing pornography and overtly sexualised images to be sold in the public arena with easy access for children and teens tells them that this is acceptable. It gives it public validation."

Wow'¦ won't somebody think of the children? And will someone then start complaining about these images in movies, TV shows, TV ads and more? The whole thing reeks of double standards and meddling by righteous people wanting to tell YOU what to do with YOUR life. As long as you're abiding by the law, what right do these people have to boss you around?

What next, banning junk food, banning miniskirts, banning books, banning makeup, banning anything that 'might' be bad for you? It's the path we're heading down. Next thing you know we'll have the Taliban moving in to Australia and imposing Sharia Law if this keeps up, burqas for all to "protect the children".

So, what should parents actually be doing, rather than racing off to the government for 'their protection', and what did the legendary Benjamin Franklin have to say about it? Wise words from him on page two, please read on!