Consultation on violent internet porn launched

The government has launched a consultation on proposals to ban violent and abusive pornography available on the internet.

The sale, distribution and importation of extreme pornography is illegal in the UK, under the Obscene Publications Act. However, it is not illegal to possess the material. The legislation also does not cover the internet.

The proposals would outlaw the possession of violent and abusive pornography, including material, which features the torture of women, bestiality and necrophilia; in much the same way that possession of child pornography is banned. The new offence would carry the possibility of a maximum three-year prison sentence.

The consultation paper, published on Tuesday, will ask respondents to consider whether new legislation is needed and what material should be covered.

Announcing the launch of the consultation, Home Office Minister, Paul Goggins, said: “This is material which is extremely offensive to the vast majority of people and it should have no place in our society. The fact that it is available over the internet should in no way legitimise it.

“These forms of violent and abusive pornography go far beyond what we allow to be shown in films or even sold in licensed sex shops in the UK, so they should not be available online either.”

The measures have been welcomed by the Association of Chief Police Officers’. Metropolitan Police Commander and ACPO representative Dave Johnson said: “The internet is being targeted more and more by those who create sites that specialise in sexual violence and other types of extreme perversion.”

The proposals have also been welcomed by Liz Longhurst, the mother of Jane Longhurst, who was murdered in 2003 by Graham Coutts, who was obsessed with violent pornography.

However, Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten said: “Sensible measures which protect children from extreme sites should be warmly welcomed. However, the government must avoid creating a nanny state or introducing laws that can’t be enforced.”

(KMcA/SP)