Study: Americans Favor Federal Obscenity Law Enforcement

A recent study commissioned by Morality in Media and conducted by Harris Interactive found three out of four adult Americans would support a future President who ensured federal obscenity laws would be vigorously enforced.

“It is unfortunate that during the past 15 years so little has been done at the federal level to curb the distribution of obscene materials,” said Robert Peters, president of Morality in Media. “During President Clinton’s terms in office, enforcement of federal obscenity laws was not a Justice Department priority. During President Bush’s terms, his Attorney Generals have talked big but haven’t implemented needed policies to get the job done.”

The study, conducted by telephone in early April, surveyed 1,018 adults (aged 18 and over) within the United States.

“From this data, it is clear the majority of Americans support the strict prosecution of those producing and distributing obscene materials,” said Rick Schatz, president and CEO of the National Coalition. “It is now our job to take this information to those at the highest level of government.”

The National Coalition has been communicating with current presidential candidates to discuss the very issue of federal obscenity laws.

“Our goal is to get a strong commitment from presidential hopefuls that they will make obscenity prosecution a top priority. Unfortunately, we have yet to get such a promise,” added Schatz.

The National Coalition will be sure to keep its constituents abreast of the latest news regarding federal obscenity prosecution as it relates to the next presidential campaign.

“Hopefully, the next President will take whatever steps are necessary to fight obscenity effectively, knowing that the large majority of adult Americans will support such action,” concluded Peters.