British Pols Adopt Policy Allowing Teens to Participate In, View Hard-Core Porn
by James L. Lambert
March 26, 2004
(AgapePress) - A contingent of politicians in the United Kingdom believes high-school age children have a right to not only look at hard-core pornography, but also to participate in it if they wish.London's Independent newspaper reports that the Liberal Democrat Party in Britain recently adopted a policy to lower from 18 to 16 the age allowing minors to participate in the porn industry. The effort appears to be a way for the party to appease a business that is continually trying to lure younger and younger performers into its circles. Much of this is due to the growing demand for sexually explicit material involving youth.
A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats attempted to justify the policy move by describing 16- and 17-year-olds as "living in a twilight zone between childhood and adulthood," gaining different rights at different ages. The opposition Conservative Party lambasted the policy as "irresponsible" and "absurd."
By viewing cultural events in Europe, Americans can often get a glimpse of cultural shifts that could eventually affect their own society. Now Liberal Democrats in the U.K. are anxious to support "children's rights," thinking their proposal, if enacted, will give 16-year-olds more choices and freedoms. The Conservative Party responds by stating that the initiative lacks common sense and ignores the danger of exposing children to an industry that already is accused of exploiting women.
Already there are numerous teen porn sites on the Internet. Many older men are drawn to these sites. By allowing younger and younger participants into the adult business in the U.K., the Liberal Democrats' proposal supports the smut industry and its corrupting influence on the public.
Morality in Media (MIM), a non-profit anti-porn organization based in New York, believes this policy has been receiving negative public reaction of late. Fortunately MIM believes that this platform policy by the Liberal Democrat Party does not have any political traction, saying it "can't be seen as being made into law." However, the proposal shows just how far ideologues will go to appease an industry that consistently sends corrupting messages and images to millions of Britons and Americans every day.
James L. Lambert, who resides in San Diego, California, is a frequent contributor to AgapePress. He is the author of Porn in America (Huntington House), which can be purchased through the American Family Association; and a licensed loan sales agent who offers all types of real-estate mortgage loans. He can be reached via his website.
