Call For More Control Of Pornography (Press, 16 March 1988)

On 16 March 1988, reports emerged from the Royal Commission on Social Policy regarding approximately 40 submissions expressing significant concern over pornography and its potential link to sexual abuse. The submissions, which came from individuals of various backgrounds, primarily men and women, called for stricter regulations, with some advocating for a complete ban on pornographic material. Among those voicing their concerns was David Payne, a 67-year-old farmer from Pukekawa and father of six. He referenced a recent Auckland court case involving the rape of a 13-year-old girl, highlighting that the accused had been watching "undesirable videos" prior to committing the act. Payne argued that the excessive availability of explicit sex videos was transforming many men into "slaves of mental erotica," raising alarm over the safety of women. He urged for a ban on pornographic films, stating that failure to do so could lead to increased incidents of sexual abuse, potentially resulting in fatalities. Another submission came from David Whincop, a 22-year-old student from Palmerston North. He echoed Payne's sentiments, emphasising that pornography was a significant contributor to sexual violence. He argued that sex-oriented magazines like "Penthouse" and "Playboy" objectified women, leading to harmful perceptions and behaviours. Whincop suggested replacing such magazines with literature that depicted equal sexual relationships, noting that pornographic magazines were often the sole source of sexual knowledge for teenage boys. The Gay Task Force from Wellington submitted a statement discussing the educational role of erotic material while simultaneously condemning portrayals of violence against women in pornography. Sister Catherine Dunphy, chaplain of New Plymouth Prison, argued that pornography was a primary cause of sexual abuse and legitimised abusive behaviour. She called for stricter laws governing pornography, likening it to traffic regulations aimed at reducing road fatalities, raising concerns particularly about hard-core pornographic home videos being disguised under innocuous titles. Additional calls for an inquiry into pornography were made, with one suggestion proposing that a women-only inquiry be established. The group Women Against Pornography highlighted that the freedom of expression claimed by pornographic film makers infringed on the basic human rights of others. Overall, the submissions reflected a growing apprehension about the impact of pornography on society, particularly regarding violence and abuse against women, and a collective demand for tighter controls and regulations surrounding its distribution and content.

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