WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Three of the leading GOP 2012 Presidential candidates have made statements committing to enforce existing federal obscenity laws if they are elected, while the current administration still refuses to enforce federal obscenity laws prohibiting distribution of hardcore pornography, according to Morality in Media.
Morality In Media launched efforts in October 2011 to contact the 2012 presidential candidates, including President Obama, to obtain their respective views on the enforcement of obscenity laws. Thousands of individuals sent emails, made calls and even spoke to the candidates in person urging them to respond to the survey. As a result of these efforts, the following candidates responded:
Former Senator Rick Santorum in a written statement:
"Federal obscenity laws should be vigorously enforced. If elected President, I will appoint an Attorney General who will do so."
Former Governor Mitt Romney in a written statement:
"(I)t is imperative that we cultivate the promotion of fundamental family values. This can be accomplished with increased parental involvement and enhanced supervision of our children. It includes strict enforcement of our nation's obscenity laws, as well as the promotion of parental software controls that guard our children from Internet pornography."
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich in a face-to-face meeting:
When MIM's Executive Director Dawn Hawkins asked former Speaker Gingrich if he will enforce existing laws that make distribution of hard-core adult pornography illegal, he responded: "Yes, I will appoint an Attorney General who will enforce these laws."
"Vigorous prosecution of those who violate our nation's obscenity laws is critical now. Our nation is suffering a pandemic of harm from pornography that is readily available - even to children on the Internet and in other venues," said Patrick Trueman, Morality in Media President and former chief of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section at the U.S. Department of Justice during the Reagan and Bush I Administrations.
"Addiction among adults and even children is now widespread. Pornography is a common cause of the destruction of marriage. It leads to misogyny and violence against women and is a contributing factor in sexual trafficking," Trueman added.
MIM is asking the public to continue to contact all candidates, even those who have responded, as a means of keeping up pressure for this critical issue. The public may contact all candidates with one click of the mouse atwww.waronillegalpornography.com/candidates or call them toll-free at 1-877-354-2951.
About Morality in Media
Founded in 1962, Morality in Media, Inc. is the leading organization focused on opposing pornography and indecency through public education and the application of the law. MIM is leading The War on Illegal Pornography, a coalition of more than 120 national and state groups whose goal is to stop the distribution of illegal pornography. For more information visit www.PornHarms.com,www.WarOnIllegalPornography.com, and www.MoralityInMedia.org.
