I wanted to share this recent article summarizing what is happening with our nation's pornography/obscenity laws. Click here.
When
I returned from living in Europe in 2009, I was determined to do
something to stop America from turning into a completely pornified
society like I witnessed all across western and eastern Europe. I searched for groups that were opposing pornography and found only one - Morality In Media.
I stumbled across Patrick Trueman's biography (MIM's now current President & CEO) and contact information and emailed him, pleading for direction on what could possibly be done. I was amazed that he actually had an answer AND a plan.
In
addition to widespread awareness about the harms of pornography, Pat
explained to me that enforcement of federal laws could have a deep
impact on curbing some of the devastation.
There
are actually laws on the books that make it illegal to distribute
hardcore pornography (obscenity) on the Internet, on cable/satellite TV,
in hotels and motels, in retail shop and by common mail carrier. I had no idea.
Pat actually was in charge of enforcing these laws at the U.S. Department of Justice under both Presidents Reagan and Bush I. When
I learned that the DOJ never lost a case against these pornographers
and that when they were prosecuting them, the worst types of pornography
were pretty much wiped out from the mainstream - I felt a sudden burst of hope and energy.
I'm
still riding that wave of energy today, confident that if we can simply
get these laws enforced, so much of the harm millions of Americans are
facing can be curbed.
In the years since Pat and I first communicated, a national movement has been jumpstarted against pornography.
Not
only are we leading the efforts to spread public awareness about harms
of pornography and helping to direct people to resources - we have also
made this a topic to be discussed in Washington, DC.
When
the current U.S. Attorney General (Eric Holder) disbanded the task
force appointed to enforce these laws, we knew it would be a long
battle. We did not back down though.
We
have grown a coalition of more than 135 national, state and local
groups all helping to get these laws enforced. We have gained bipartisan
support of almost half of the U.S. Senate and many members of the House
who are helping to pressure the DOJ to do its job. Among many other
victories, we've also secured a promise to hold a congressional hearing
on the harms from pornography this fall. In addition, we just recently
announced A.G. Holder as the #1 facilitator of pornography in America.
We
are working hard to keep up the pressure. It has been such a blessing
to have the support of so many others along the way. Please know that
your help, even if it's signing a petition, goes a long way in this battle.
Be encouraged! We are making much progress.
Thank you for your support!
Dawn Hawkins
Executive Director, Morality In Media
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