Posted on 07/21/2006 8:43:16 AM PDT by Drew68
WASHINGTON — In a vote that could come as early as today, pending legislation in the Senate would increase Hollywood’s record keeping requirements for movies and TV shows that feature explicit love scenes, much like the 2257 regulations governing the adult entertainment industry.
The legislation would require Hollywood movie studios and TV stations to keep meticulous records verifying the age of actors pretending to engage in sexual activity.
Coupled with its record keeping requirements, the bill also seeks to establish a national sex offender registry.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the House is expected to approve the Senate’s version, which will then pass it along to President George W. Bush who is likely to sign it into law by the end of July.
“To be clear, we support legislation that stops child pornography,” said the Motion Picture Association of America, in a statement. “But the original proposal would have subjected studios to criminal penalties, federal searches and near-impossible labeling requirements, none of which would have advanced the stated goal of protecting children. While this latest draft is not a perfect outcome, it is much better than it was.”
The original wording of the bill, drafted by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., attempted to equate steamy or suggestive love scenes with hardcore porn. The bill was updated after Hollywood expressed its unease at being lumped in with pornographers.
Pence’s original proposal sought to apply the same stringent 2257 record keeping laws to “any book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape or other matter” that features simulated sex.
Without Pence’s language, movie studios and TV stations must inform the Justice Department that they are complying with the record-keeping laws as part of their standard business practices. They would not have to maintain separate records for each depiction of a sexual act.
The proposed legislation does not give the Justice Department the authority to inspect age verification records whenever it chooses. Also, there is no language in the bill that mandates specific criminal penalties for failure to maintain proper and complete records.
Mainstream broadcasts that depict sexual material do not have to display labels of compliance or list the name and address of the custodian of records like adult films are required to do. Additionally, the proposal would only require content produced after the law goes into effect to abide by the new regulations.
The bill is named after Adam Walsh, the 6-year-old son of “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh. Adam was abducted and killed in 1981, which prompted his father to become a victims’ rights advocate.
“We’ve been watching this bill all along,” Free Speech Coalition Communications Director Tom Hymes told XBIZ. “And we know that no matter which version they pass, it’s a shame that 2257 or record keeping is mixed up with protecting children. The FSC is aware of the legislation and we are dealing with it. The FSC will be providing further analysis of the bill once the language has been finalized.”
I felt this was a legitimate news story however, the site I found it on, X-Biz, is a site that covers to the business aspects of the Adult Film Industry. The site does contain some nudity in their banner ads.
As such, I did not post the link where it could be clicked on. I don't want to get anyone in trouble at work. If you would like to read the story, you can cut and paste this link
http://www.xbiz.com/news_piece.php?id=16068
Thanks for the warning. I am at work and am glad I didn't open up the link! WHEW!!
Actually, the link goes nowhere. I entered it as "http://www"
"Without Pence’s language, movie studios and TV stations must inform the Justice Department that they are complying with the record-keeping laws as part of their standard business practices. They would not have to maintain separate records for each depiction of a sexual act.
The proposed legislation does not give the Justice Department the authority to inspect age verification records whenever it chooses. Also, there is no language in the bill that mandates specific criminal penalties for failure to maintain proper and complete records.
Mainstream broadcasts that depict sexual material do not have to display labels of compliance or list the name and address of the custodian of records like adult films are required to do. Additionally, the proposal would only require content produced after the law goes into effect to abide by the new regulations."
That sounds pretty gutted to me. What is the point?
The point is it is an election year. Throw a bone to social conservatives without disrupting the big money from the studios.
So the "Free Sppech Coalition" chimed in, huh? I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact they are part of an industry that is on record for supporting child pornography?
A companion piece to the film about kid rape etc.
Gag.
LOL! I missed this little gem!
The world worked better when "sex offenses" were handled by angry fathers with shotguns instead of by pandering politicians. ;)
Of course most of the minor children working in Hollywood have their parents as agents.
Between this and the Dakota Fanning thread, I need a shower.
Government auditor - "How do we know that the guy yelling 'Alriiiiight!' and hunching the air wasn't really pretenting to have gay sex with the invisible man?"
This is long overdue.
read further down. This legislation is purely "feel good" symbolism. There are no criminal penalties for failing to keep records.
Although this isn't really a problem for Hollywood. More times than not they have 27 year old actors playing teenagers.
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