To Deprave and Corrupt: Obscenity Battles in British Law and Culture

The Obscene Publications Act is still in effect in the UK despite the Internet's widespread availability of sexually explicit material. This law disproportionately affects certain groups, such as the BDSM subculture, the LGBT community, and feminist porn performers, and is based on vague language that is difficult to interpret.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2019
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The Obscene Publications Act, a law dating back to 1857, has been a source of contention for many individuals and organizations in Britain. This act, which regulates the production and distribution of obscene material, has come under fire for its vague language and outdated nature, particularly in the age of the internet, where sexually explicit content is readily accessible. Despite the challenges posed by the digital age, the Obscene Publications Act remains in place, regulating a wide range of publications, including magazines, books, and films.

One of the key issues with the Obscene Publications Act is its disproportionate impact on certain groups. The BDSM subculture, for example, has been particularly targeted by obscenity laws, which have made it difficult for practitioners to publish and distribute their work. The laws have also been used to criminalize the production and distribution of LGBT-themed pornography, which has led to censorship and discrimination against these communities.

Feminist porn performers have also faced challenges under the Obscene Publications Act. The laws have been used to criminalize the production and distribution of porn that portrays women in a positive or empowering light, which has been criticized as censorship of feminist discourse. This has had a particularly negative impact on the ability of women to express themselves sexually and to challenge traditional gender norms.

In addition to its impact on specific communities, the Obscene Publications Act has also raised concerns about freedom of speech and the right to access information. The laws have been used to censor material that is considered offensive or harmful, even if it does not meet the legal definition of obscenity. This has led to a chilling effect on artistic expression and has undermined the ability of individuals to engage with sensitive and important topics.

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to reform the Obscene Publications Act. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize the production and distribution of adult content, particularly in the context of the internet. This has led to calls for the law to be updated to reflect the changing attitudes towards sexuality and to provide greater protection for the rights of individuals.

However, reforming the Obscene Publications Act is not without its challenges. There are concerns about the potential impact on public safety and the protection of children from harmful material. There are also concerns about the potential impact on the freedom of speech and the right to access information, particularly in the context of online content.

In conclusion, the Obscene Publications Act is a law that has had a significant impact on British culture and society. While it was intended to protect public morality and prevent the spread of harmful material, its vague language and outdated nature have led to disproportionate impacts on certain groups and have undermined the freedom of speech and the right to access information. There is a need for reform to address these issues and to ensure that the law is updated to reflect the changing attitudes towards sexuality and to provide greater protection for the rights of individuals.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 224 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476672830