Australian Sex Party answers censorship questions
November 24, 2008 – 8:58 pmI raised concerns last week about whether the Australian Sex Party (ASP) would fight for an R18+ game classification, given Eros had been opposed to one (a bad move in my opinion).
However, party convenor Fiona Patten promptly responded to my queries over the weekend and informed me that ASP does support the introduction of an R18+ classification for games, as well as an X18+ rating for games. It’s part of their ‘national and consistent approach to classification policy.’
We know ASP opposes filtering, 
but when it comes to Internet safety Patten says they’re currently developing a cyber-safety policy and believes education is the key, particularly education of parents. I agree.
When it comes to the availability of BDSM material and other content that could be perceived as violent, ASP would like to see the X18+ classification replaced with a NVE (Non Violent Erotica) classification and clearly consenting role playing and fantasies allowed. If that’s the case, the NVE guidelines would need to be a lot more lenient than those proposed nearly 10 years ago.
The party is also opposed to the removal of the AMI’s ‘Want Longer Lasting Sex’ billboard. Patten explains that the removal was because of an organised campaign and there was even a website that Catholic Bishop Pell promoted. ‘The word sex in it self should not be seen as inappropriate and that is what happened.’
If you have questions of your own, you can contact ASP here.
7 Responses to “Australian Sex Party answers censorship questions”
Great blog post about the newest player in Australia’s national politics. I would have thought the question of mandatory internet censorship was something the Australian Sex Party had an immediate answer for given that they seemed to use it to promote the party.
It’ll be good to see what happens with the Australian Sex Party once the next federal campaign gets underway for real.
By Alex Schlotzer on Nov 24, 2008
Evening Alex: My question was about cyber-safety so I’ve updated my post above to make that clearer. In regards to filtering, they mention their opposition here so I was keen to find out what further ideas they had, especially if they had a safety policy.
By Mike on Nov 24, 2008
I think for an X18+ rating they still should allow for some violence. At the moment, movies that should be rated X18+ are being given RC because they contain violence that could be catered for at a PG level. For example, I was reading on Refusedclassification.com that as part of the storyline in an adult movie, a guard was knocked unconscious from behind, which constitutes an act of violence and isn’t permissable under an X18+ rating:
http://www.refused-classification.com/X18+_FilmDreamquest.htm
Fortunately, this silly decision was overturned but you can see my point.
By Fermista on Nov 24, 2008
Eros listed outlets stock BDSM titles and have for a number of years. For example the fantasy movie “No Mercy” which is quite light hearted in it’s treatment of BDSM and which I submitted to the Director of the OFLC (Des Clark) on the advice of the then Attorney General the Hon. Philip Ruddock was purchased from what I refer to as “the big red shop” in Goulburn Street Sydney and sent (misclassified “X”) to Des Clark for permission to import (DVD not VHS).
Permission to import was refused (and you can see the reply on my LiveJournal) BUT the film was returned and I subsequently purchased the DVD ( which I had sought permission to import ) from the Eros outlet in Park Street Sydney.
refer:
“Porn from the Government”
http://bobbain.livejournal.com/285831.html
“Are these X-Rated?”
http://bobbain.livejournal.com/283864.html
(includes copies of correspondence from the State Attorney General and the Federal Attorney General with my street address blocked for privacy reasons)
refer also (ex member for Lindsay)
http://www.jackiekelly.net/
..with whom I corresponded on the issue for a number of years..
The Eros listed outlet in St. Marys (adjacent suburb to me) used to stock BDSM material but it seems a Mr. Robertson (or is it Robinson – possibly a “CLO” of the Attorney General’s Department) may have paid a visit and BDSM material appears to have disappared from the shelves.
It most certainly hasn’t disappeared from other outlets in the Linsay electorate (St. Marys and Penrith) – nor from non Eros outlets in Parramatta – despite the fact one outlet in Parramatta was raided by New South Wales police (as documented to Channel 10 who seemingly never aired police video related to the raid).
Bob
By Bob Bain on Nov 25, 2008
One man’s swimsuit model is another man’s porn portal…for some a Brazilian Thong should be censored, for others not– the truth is that censorship is as individual as the person doing the viewing.
Obviously parents don’t want their kids exposed to inappropriate material on the web, but as co-founder of My Internet Doorman , I can tell you that we have seen a spike in the number of adults who whant to self-censor; they want to block porn, they simply don’t want to be exposed to it, or even have the temptation!
Mr. M – My Internet Doorman – Block Porn
By Mr. M on Nov 25, 2008
Mr. M, are you going to spam every blog and news site released to the filtering topic? Looks like you are. I wonder if this is what Australian ISPs are currently putting up with; the sales pitch. Porn addiction my arse.
Anyway, I must say I agree with just about all of their policies. I think the Viagra on the PBS is a bit silly, but everything else is fits in with my personal beliefs and views. Tired of conservative politics. I hoped it had died out for while when Howard left office.
By Matthew on Nov 25, 2008
Hey mike… I also have some policy concerns – in particular regarding their gender equality approach to politics. Similarly I have contacted ASP, however they may not share my opinion
http://www.chriswere.com/?p=120
By Chris on Nov 30, 2008