FPI: More porn restrictions

2010-03-11 22:10

Johannesburg - The Family Policy Institute (FPI) has called on the government to explore imposing additional restrictions on the access to pornography, a home affairs official said on Thursday.

"Pornography is addictive and breeds many ills in society including breaking families, abuse of women and affects the addicts psychologically," department spokesperson Bayanda Mzoneli said in a statement.

The FPI's call followed a meeting with Deputy Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and Film and Publication Board CEO Yoliswa Makhasi in Cape Town on Thursday.

They talked about the institute's research into the harmful effects of pornography on marriage.

MultiChoice has proposed offering a 24-hour pornographic channel on DSTV.

"The FPI called for a stronger enforcement of current legislation and introduction of additional legislation to restrict pornography even further," Mzoneli said.

Gigaba was quoted as saying: "The right to freedom of expression is not absolute and should not be used to put children at risk.

"Pornography is already available at adult shops without any restrictions whatsoever for adults, and there is no reason to bring it to our living rooms."

Gigaba indicated he had already written to the Law Reform Commission requesting a ban of pornography in public media, cellphones and the internet.

He had subsequently been advised that a meeting would take place in May to deliberate on this.
 

- SAPA