National MP Anne Tolley is flabbergasted that six weeks have passed since her private members bill on child pornography was referred to the Government Administration Select Committee yet public submissions still haven't been called for.

The Bill would prohibit child pornography in any films, videos or publications in New Zealand.

"This Bill is too important to flounder at the Select Committee stage. The Government is sitting on its hands. They should front up and explain what the hold up is or get on with it," Mrs Tolley said.

The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Prohibition of Child Pornography) Amendment Bill would allow the Censor to disregard the right to 'freedom of expression' granted by the Bill of Rights when classifying an item deemed to depict, support or promote child pornography.

"This Bill enacts the original intention of Parliament when it passed The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act, in prohibiting child pornography. The Bill was referred to select committee on the 16th of August.

"The Film and Literature Board of Review's recent decision on the Moonen case clearly states their belief that Parliament intended that child pornography be banned, without consideration of the Bill of Rights.

"My Bill will correct this anomaly and it would be outrageous for this Government to stymie the progress of this Bill and leave it wallowing in the Select Committee," Mrs Tolley said.

Ends

Inquiries: Anne Tolley 04 471 9904

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