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Adult shop owner says statistics are on his side |
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OUTSPOKEN local minister Kevin Webb has called for a blanket ban on pornography in New South Wales, but concedes people might baulk at the idea of increased censorship. Although current NSW law prohibits the possession of X-rated pornography, such material is readily available on both the internet and from territories with less stringent restrictions.
Griffith psychotherapist Anne-Charlotte Patrilla said although pornography might have a place in the lives of consenting adults, often it was an indication of sexual and behavioural dysfunction within individuals. “Viewing pornography is a sign of isolation and loneliness within,” Ms Patrilla said. Griffith’s Risque Adult Boutique proprietor Pat Tripodi said exposure to pornography was not linked to sexual assaults, according to a 1987 study by the Australian Institute of Criminology. “The adult industry in Australia is tightly regulated and people under 18 can’t even enter adult shops, yet every owner of a computer and mobile phone can access pornography with no restrictions,” Mr Tripodi said. Rev Webb said he suspected any efforts to toughen pornography laws would be met with public opposition given its widespread consumption in Australian society. “If you look at the figures on the usage of pornography, the usage is very high, so if two-thirds of the population are already viewing pornography, then two-thirds of the population are not going to like it very much,” he said. |
