A Brief History - Hamilton, ON
In February of 1992, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled that the obscenity law in Canada did limit freedom under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The ruling stated that it was necessary to provide protection because of the risk of harm that use of pornography and any degradation or dehumanization of women according to the contemporary community standards.
On May 27, 1992, in a Hamilton criminal court, the owner of the largest chain of adult video stores, was found guilty of selling degrading and dehumanizing videos. All of the videos in question were approved by the Ontario Film Review Board. Unfortunately, we feel that the Board does not represent the majority of Ontario residents. In April, 1993, the Board underwent a review, the Chairman was replaced, and a member of CPCS served for several years on the Board.
The Board continues to classify R-Rated adult sex films, and the head of the Board was called (in early '90s) to testify at several of the obscenity trials. There was no working relationship between the Board and the representatives of other branches of the government. CPCS is urging better working relationships (April 1993).
During a conversation with the owner of an adult video chain, he stated that there was no basis for a discussion on the moral issues of pornography as he had no morals! This man is setting your community standards of tolerance.
Canadians for Decency's Urgent Call to Action newsletter of May 1993, states:
"First we apologize for the offensive language and description used. We are using direct quotes from the Film Review Board's recommendations. We feel the public needs to know how one branch of the Ontario government thinks and acts. CFD did ask for a copy of the minutes of the May 6, 1993 OFRB meeting to give you more details, but were told we could only get them through the Freedom of Information Act. We will pursue that path.
On May 6, members of the Ontario Film Review Board voted to loosen the guidelines on 'adult sex films.' This is the recommendation initially put forward by the Policy Committee:
that the Board allow, in adult sex videos, bondage, the insertion of foreign objects, double penetration, and ejaculation on the face, provided they are not in a context that is verbally or physically coercive and do not cause physical harm, and provided that foreign objects are not weapons (such as guns, knives, or razor blades) or other potentially injurious objects such as bottles.
These activities were previously disallowed by the OFRB and the distributors were ordered to remove them from films before the product would be approved for Ontario.
At the May 6 meeting, all activities were approved, except 'double penetration.' This is a fundamental shift in policy which the public should be made aware of. Not only do these degrading and violent activities contravene 'community standards,' but we believe in most cases they would contravene the Criminal Code obscenity laws.
Board members who voted in favour of these changes have made a decision to approve illegal products for distribution in Ontario, and board members who don't agree with these guidelines are being counselled to break the law. This is not acceptable.
At a time when there is so much discussion about violence against women and violence in the media, it seems inconceivable that such recommendations were even presented for discussion, let alone passed. The board members who have voted for such recommendations are out of touch with the larger Ontario Community - the families (Mom, Dad, children). We suggest these Board members come from special interest groups and are more interested in accommodating the distributor and not the public.
We understand the OFRB does not have to abide by the Criminal Code of Canada. Therefore, because a video is OFRB approved, it is not necessarily legal. In fact, now many approved videos will not be legal. This means more tax money will be spent by the police to investigate approved videos - resulting in more expensive court cases. Haven't we been hearing about government cutbacks?"
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We can no longer take the 'ostrich' approach to this problem because, even if you do not watch pornography, it has invaded your neighbourhood and affects you and your safety. Remember the fact that the largest consumers are the age group from 12 to 17. These people are developing attitudes toward women and society, which will affect us for years to come. Speak out against pornography.
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It is illegal to produce, sell or distribute child pornography. Unfortunately, it is not illegal to possess. This kind of pornography is used by pedophiles to show children that what they are doing is okay. We want the Federal Justice Minister to make it illegal to possess it in Canada. Child pornography is a visual record of a crime that has been committed.
The Honourable Irwin Cotler
Minister of Justice
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8
Phone: (613) 957-4222, fax (613) 990-7255
Attorney General of Ontario
Your Member of Parliament
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations
administers the Ontario Film Review Board. Find out if you have a local member (30 across Ontario) and let them know of your concerns regarding violence and pornography in movies and videos. You may also ask for larger warning labels on movie and video content, such as Violence to Women, etc.
Minister of Consumer & Commercial Relations
9th Floor, 555 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4Y 1Y7
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