Video Tape May Be Banned For Private Viewing (Press, 4 October 1985)

A pornographic video has been denied approval by New Zealand's film censors for exhibition to members of Parliament, and it may also face a ban from the Customs Department for private viewing. The video, intended to be shown next week, features content that combines excerpts of violent and pornographic material from other films. It was sent ahead of time to customs by Chief Superintendent Peter Kruger, who is visiting New Zealand to campaign against violent and pornographic videos, sponsored by the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards. Kruger has previously shown the video to parliamentary bodies in the UK, but it has been rejected in New Zealand. Chief Film Censor Arthur Everard stated that the video was deemed "clearly injurious to the public good," citing its focus on "dangerous and antisocial methods of inflicting cruelty," particularly regarding sexual violence against women. He explained that taking excerpts from various films could lead to a compilation that presents an extreme portrayal of violent material, which is unsuitable for exposure to Parliament, even to its members. Everard raised concerns that allowing such a viewing would invite the press and other attendees, thus expanding the audience beyond MPs. Miss Patricia Bartlett, a spokesman for the Society, argued against the censor’s decision, claiming it underestimated the ability of Parliament members to view such content for a short duration. Despite the rejection, Bartlett mentioned that there were plans to obtain permission to show a different video, which had been classified by censors under an R18 rating, indicating that its graphic violence may disturb viewers. Additionally, the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers (W.D.F.F.) expressed that Parliamentary privilege should take precedence over the film censor's ruling, emphasising that MPs should be able to review such material to legislate effectively on related issues. The W.D.F.F. noted that they had been previously prevented from showing a similar film to MPs earlier in 1985. President Elsie McInnes pointed out that law-makers can’t adequately perform their duties if they cannot view relevant material in Parliament, underlining the significance of the content in the current societal context concerning violence and pornography in New Zealand.

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