Media Statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 2 December, 2003

Alexander applauds anti-child porn law

United Future's Marc Alexander today welcomed new legislation being introduced to Parliament to tighten penalties for child pornography traders and amend censorship law.

"United Future has been pushing the Government for some time on both of these issues and I am pleased that the Government has introduced this legislation," Mr Alexander, who has previously introduced a Member's Bill with similar intent.

Changes to the censorship regime will ensure that the chief censor can ban photographs and publications of naked under-age children and restrict the distribution of publications that contain offensive language.

"My bill had sought to make the censor's office a watchdog with teeth, and it is good to see the Government has now taken up the cause with a Bill that has the same effect.

"United Future has also been pressing the Government for some time to increase penalties for child pornography traders. Ten years is now a good start," United Future's law and order spokesman said.

"Child porn is a scourge on our society and the young that has been made easy via the Internet.

"But what must never be forgotten is that each and every image is of a child being sexually abused. We can never tolerate that in any shape or form, and the Government is to be commended for taking this matter up," Mr Alexander said.

Ends.

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