Trying To Strike A Balance In Framing Pornography... (Press, 18 February 1989)

The Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into Pornography released its report on 18 February 1989, addressing the complex issues surrounding pornography in New Zealand. The report, titled “Pornography,” consisted of 207 pages and included 202 recommendations. It has been described as a “political minefield,” but initial reactions were mostly subdued, with notable disagreement from anti-porn advocate Miss Patricia Bartlett, who called the report a “pornographer’s delight.” In contrast, Mr Graeme Lee, a National MP, expressed general satisfaction with the report's themes. The report highlighted the lack of legislative outcomes from similar inquiries in Canada and acknowledged the longstanding societal debates in New Zealand regarding moral issues like abortion and homosexuality. The committee approached pornography through various philosophical lenses, including liberal, conservative, and feminist perspectives, ultimately concluding that feminist influences predominated. They defined pornography as “sexually explicit material which is demeaning or degrading to women (and sometimes to children or men),” arguing that it perpetuates sexism and dehumanises women. Despite its feminist framing, the report generated little controversy, partly because of its philosophical basis and the differences in cultural perceptions of freedom of expression between New Zealand and the United States. While debates in America regarding free speech are robust, New Zealanders have generally been less engaged with constitutional arguments. The report indicated that material deemed potentially harmful should be assessed based on various criteria, including whether it demeaned individuals based on factors such as race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. The committee suggested that the New Zealand pornography industry was worth approximately $20 million annually, mainly consisting of magazine and video sales. It outlined criteria for censorship and emphasised parental responsibility in preventing children from accessing inappropriate material. Minister of Justice Mr Palmer supported the report’s overall approach but forewarned that specific details may change during the legislative process. The committee proposed additional social and educational recommendations to address the root causes of attitudes towards pornography and violence. Consensus existed on the harm that pornography can cause in general and specifically to women, particularly regarding child pornography, an area where there is strong societal condemnation. The committee argued that answers to pornography-related issues should not rely solely on legal approaches but should also consider broader societal values and institutions. Although there is potential for significant debate around the specifics of pornography laws and the impacts of definitions as legislation is drawn up, the report notably moves the focus from traditional views of pornography towards its deeper societal implications and the experiences of its victims. The report also condemned child pornography and called for clearer legal definitions and stricter penalties regarding its creation and distribution, despite no solid evidence of local production. It concluded by expressing deep concern for the psychological impact of pornography, particularly on survivors of sexual abuse, based on testimonies from affected New Zealand women.

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