Re Films & Publications Bill

Hi Penny

Thanks for the support. The bill is in its final stage having been passed by the committee so there is no room for input at this point.

The ACDP took up the task during 2017 of trying to impress on the committee and the department that the link between adult pornography and violence against women and children is well researched and documented and that it should be addressed with a view to amending legislation - sadly to no avail. The opportunity however, to speak to this in committee and in the National Assembly we hope will make inroads into people's thinking and impact on future amendments.

The ACDP also took up the issue on classification in the committee arguing against reducing certain categories to 'violent pornography' only. This is important because vile, dehumanizing and degrading pornography will then become more accessible.

We came close to getting some buy in on this from the Chair of the committee but the proposals were rejected by all parties. This is why the request has been made for people belonging to political parties other than the ACDP, to put pressure on those parties to take this issue more seriously and to vote against the bill.

You need not copy the ACDP with your input at this time as you can rest assured that we will vote against the bill and will continue to prioritize the issue as we have always done.

The ACDP would like to thank Cause for Justice for all they have done to raise awareness, interact with the department, make carefully considered proposals for amendments and work closely with the ACDP to achieve our common purpose.

I will keep people posted on any new developments via my FaceBook page.

Regards
Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP