Bondage Photos Concern Tribunal (Press, 26 October 1988)
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Summary: Bondage Photos Concern Tribunal (Press, 26 October 1988)
On 26 October 1988, the Indecent Publications Tribunal in New Zealand expressed its growing apprehension regarding homosexual magazines that feature images related to bondage, domination, and sadomasochism. The tribunal indicated that several magazines, which might otherwise be deemed acceptable under existing indecent publications legislation, had been classified as unconditionally indecent due to such content. This assessment came amidst the tribunal's recent rulings on over 40 publications, highlighting a consistent concern about the inclusion of bondage and sado-masochism imagery in these magazines. Among the specific publications addressed, the tribunal ruled that magazines such as "Toy" and "Bound To Serve, A Servant's Error" lacked any perceived literary, artistic, or social value and were detrimental to public welfare. The tribunal also evaluated "Male October," specifically a 1986 issue, noting its predominance of single male nude photographs; however, it expressed alarm regarding the magazine’s portrayal of bondage and intimate groups of nude males. Consequently, all three of these magazines were classified as unconditionally indecent. In another notable case, the tribunal rejected the arguments presented by a magazine importer concerning a gay magazine that depicted bondage and sado-masochism. This magazine, "Drummer" issue 116, was likewise deemed unconditionally indecent. Further assessments found nine issues of the magazine "Honcho" to also be unconditionally indecent. The tribunal remarked that despite the magazine's obvious target audience of male homosexuals, its content was deemed "unrestrained, coarse, and offensive." Overall, the tribunal's rulings underscored a significant concern regarding the graphic representation of bondage and sado-masochism in homosexual publications, reflecting a broader apprehension about the influence and implications of such materials on society.
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