FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2003
Contact: Brad Snavely
(517) 374-1171, ext. 104
Michigan Family Forum Director Brad Snavely and State Rep. Triette
Reeves (D-Detroit)
look on as Governor Jennifer Granholm signs HB4360 into law
Family Policy Group Applauds Governor
for Signing Obscenity Legislation
New Law Will Restrict Display of
Certain Types of Obscenity to Protect Children
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Family Forum, a Lansing-based
family policy organization, today praised Governor Granholm for
signing legislation to restrict the display of certain types of
obscene material. The bill (HB4360) was sponsored by Rep. Triette
Reeves (D-Detroit) and received unanimous support in the House and
Senate.
"Michigan Family Forum has been at the forefront
promoting this legislation from the beginning," said Executive
Director Brad Snavely. "This law makes sense for the protection
of Michigan’s children. Our kids should not be exposed to
the most graphic types of obscenity when they go to their neighborhood
gas station to buy ice cream."
House Bill 4360 requires that obscene material be
displayed in a separate area that is restricted from minors and
monitored to ensure its security. The bill also requires that the
bottom two-thirds of the material be covered if on display behind
a counter with access only by adult employees. It would also make
it a misdemeanor offense to knowingly permit a minor unaccompanied
by a parent or guardian to view obscene material. The bill will
take effect on January 1.
Michigan Family Forum has recommended the legislation
for the past three legislative sessions as a means to protect children
from exposure to blatantly obscene materials. The group highlighted
the need for HB4360 in their Legislative Agenda—Putting
Families First—for 2003.
"We want to commend Governor Granholm for signing
this bill and thank Rep. Reeves and legislative leaders for making
this issue a priority," said Snavely. "We have an obligation
as a society to protect our children from unhealthy exposure to
the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and pornography. Sadly, many children
have been exposed to pornography due to the irresponsible, graphic
display of it in their neighborhood stores. This new law will protect
our children from such exposure."
Michigan Family Forum is a public policy organization dedicated
to strengthening families in Michigan. For more information, visit
the group’s website at www.michiganfamily.org.
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