Letter to the Guardian

Writing about this article in the Guardian.

Sir,

I was disappointed to read Rachel William's one sided reporting of the Government's commencement of the so-called violent pornography ban in Monday's Guardian (26/01/09).

This report failed to acknowledge the opposing arguments from those who feel that the law, as drafted, goes far beyond targeting sexual abuse and could harm consenting adults whose sexualities do not conform with that of Labour Ministers or some womens groups. The article also failed to mention that this law deliberately criminalises images of consensual acts, including the possession of scenes from mainstream film.

The government conspincuously failed to engage with those who feel that they are being unfairly demonised by the legislation; men and women whose sexual orientation leans toward bondage, discipline or sado-masochism (BDSM).

The official consultation on the violent porn ban illicited 143 responses in favour of a new law and 241 against, including a sceptical submission from the Police Superintendants Association. While the Government made much of submissions from some 'Women's Groups', it completely ignored Feminists Against Censorship while dimissing the individual rights of women who are interested in BDSM.

Having been weakened by a rounded rebuke in the consultation, the Goverment commissioned a 'Rapid Evidence Assessment' from carefully selected anti-pornography campaigners; basically a biased literature review rubber stamped by the authors' own students! Over forty respected academics in the field wrote to the Government debunking this so-called 'evidence', but this was completely ignored.

Ms. Williams also failed to acknowlege the criticisms of Baroness Miller, the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson in the House of Lords, or her attempted amendment to the Bill to ensure that this legislation targeted abusers rather than the merely kinky; Lord Hunt, speaking for the Government, explicitly rejected this amendment on the grounds that it would make conviction difficult!.

Finally, the Consenting Adult Action Network organised a protest outside of Parliament on the eve of the ban to highlight the need for key amendments to the law as it stands, ensuring that the law targets real abuse rather than consenting adult fantasy. This protest was attended by men and women who might not easily fit into the Government's categorisation of 'monsters', though it would seem that the Goverment is determined to try.

Further information can be found on the human rights website backlash-uk.org.