Hardcore porn gets green light

By Simon Caldwell SEVEN EXPLICIT real-sex films have been given the green light for sale and distribution in Britain.
The landmark decision could open the floodgates to hardcore porn movies, though they may may still be seized under Section 3 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 at the discretion of police forces.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had banned the films but the distributors, Sheptonhurst Limited and Prime Time Promotions, went to the Video Appeals Committee (VAC), which this week gave each film an R18 certificate.
The VAC, which includes writers Fay Weldon and Claire Rayner, voted four to one in favour of lifting the ban, breaching not only the BBFC's guidelines but also rejecting evidence that the material could cause harm to children.
"We do not in general prevent adults having access to material just because it might be harmful to children if it fell into their hands," it wrote. The one objecting member said all the videos were "dehumanising and mechanistic".
Robin Duval, BBFC director, said the situation was disappointing and told
The Catholic Herald it could lead to a loss of credibility for the BBFC, which had to work through a number of legal considerations before it could respond. "We could contest the decision," he said. "The alternative is to accept it and amend the guidelines in line with that judgement."
A campaign is now under way to urge Home Secretary Jack Straw to protect the public from exploitation. The National Viewers' and Listeners' Association called for the VAC to be replaced. Director John Beyer said: "We are asking our members to write to their MPs and put pressure on the Home Secretary for a review of the situation and an immediate rescinding of this decision.
"I think it is a scandal that the pornographers can at every turn get their own way. The Government has got to get to grips with the Obscene Publications Act. It is not working in the public interest."
Lawrence Cunliffe, Labour MP for Leigh and a Catholic, has also promised to raise the "irresponsible and disgraceful" matter with both Mr Straw and the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity.