Lib/Labs block regulation of X videos

The NSW government and opposition has again failed to deal with the flourishing black market in non-violent erotica, commented Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon after Labor and the Coalition blocked debate on a Greens motion to regulate the sale of X-rated material.

The move comes after a young gay man was jailed for selling unclassified videos from an ‘R’ restricted Oxford Street adult shop, and police continue to raid similar shops.

“An inconsistency in NSW laws means X-rated material is legal to own but illegal to sell,” said Ms Rhiannon. “This material does not contain violence, sexual coercion, or depictions of performers under 18 years of age.”

“The failure of the NSW government to deal with the black market has result in X-rated material being openly sold in petrol stations, newsagents and video stores rather than in age-restricted adult shops.

“The inconsistency in NSW laws has allowed a black market in X-rated material to grow in NSW, with proven links to funding criminal and terrorist activities.

“A regulated system, such as we have in the ACT for the last 30 years, would rid NSW of the black market.

“NSW police are wasting their valuable time enforcing these laws. The raids on adult shops can involved up to 15 officers spending their working day confiscating material that is legal for the public to own.”

Ms Rhiannon said Labor and the Coalition effectively support the underground distribution agencies who are supplying X-rated material to newsagents, service stations and video stores, sometimes visible to children.

About 30 percent of NSW’s adult population buy X-rated films at some stage in their lives and more than 2 million Auuustralians have them in their home, Ms Rhiannon said.

by Michael Gormly