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The simple premise that dirty books induce dirty thoughts and actions has led to a proposed federal law that would make producers of obscene material pay damages to rape victims.
The measure, the Pornography Victims' Compensation Act of 1991, was awaiting action in mid-April by the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a close vote was expected by the end of May. It is the latest in a series of continuing efforts by some feminists, along with allies on the right, to ban pornography by defining it as a type of sex discrimination.
The bill permits those who claim their attackers were spurred on by obscene materials to sue the producers, distributors and sellers of the pornography in federal court.
As originally drafted, the bill went further and covered material that was merely sexually explicit. Because of pressure by critics, the measure was limited to legally obscene material and child pornography, neither of which, under Supreme Court precedents, receives First Amendment protection.
However, the measure does not require a prior determination of obscenity to bring suit. Nor does it require that there be a conviction for the alleged crime or even a charge.
"The bill does not dictate what pornographers may produce; it simply holds them liable for it," maintains Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the bill's sponsor.
CAUSES CALLOUSNESS
Supporters of the measure believe that pornography not only can cause rape but also can have other...