Govt revises anti-pornography law

Sep 08, 2010

THE Government has expanded the anti-pornography law beyond obscene publications to include obscene broadcasting, stage plays, music, art, fashion, motion pictures and audio recording.

By Anne Mugisa

THE Government has expanded the anti-pornography law beyond obscene publications to include obscene broadcasting, stage plays, music, art, fashion, motion pictures and audio recording.

The proposed law also introduces a punishment of up to 15 years in prison or a sh15m fine or both.

Ethics minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo told journalists yesterday that the current law on pornography was too narrow and weak to stop the proliferation of different forms of pornography.
He blamed the increasing pornography for the fast erosion of the morals of society.

Buturo said a committee would be created to collect and destroy existing pornographic objects, educate the public on the dangers of pornography and promote rehabilitation of individuals affected by pornography.

“The anti-pornography committee, court or police officer not below the rank of superintendent may order a publisher, newspaper, broadcaster or business proprietor to desist from dealing in pornography,” he said.

According to Buturo, the proposed law includes any action that depicts unclothed or under-clothed parts of a human body such as breasts, thighs, buttocks or genitalia. It also includes actions that depict or describe sexual intercourse or any behaviour that is usually associated with sexual intercourse or sexual stimulation.

Buturo said, however, that the law excludes teaching aides and other medical or scientific apparatus approved by the education minister or that of health for health and education purposes.

Under the new law, people engaged in sports are also allowed to dress appropriately as long as it is not used as a pretext for exhibiting or trafficking in pornography.

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