A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. Bill author, Metairie Representative, and licensed Sex Therapist Laurie Schlegel said children’s exposure to pornography is a growing concern.
“One researcher called children’s unlimited access to extreme and graphic internet pornography as the largest unregulated social experiment in our history. Our society paying a severe price for it, and we need to change course,” said Schlegel.
President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills spoke in support of the legislation to require commercial entities that publish material harmful to minors to place reasonable methods to verify the age of those attempting to access their site.
“And while technology offers educational and informational benefits, the ease with which children can bump into or access hardcore material digitally is troubling and damaging to a child’s development,” said Mills.
House Bill 142 requires such entities to verify one’s age and only allow access for individuals 18 and older. Schlegel, who understands the damage of pornography in her profession as a Sex Therapist said it’s imperative, that we reduce access for minors.
“This bill is not interested in stopping adults or anyone outside of Louisiana from viewing pornography, some pornography is undoubtedly protected by the First Amendment, but protecting our children is a compelling government interest,” said Schlegel.
The bill now heads to the House floor.
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