Utah has declared that pornography is a public health crisis. Gov. Gary Herbert signed a resolution seeking to protect his constituents from its effects. But does this mean porn is banned in Utah?
As it turns out, the state is the first in the U.S. to deem pornography as a public health crisis, as pointed out by Utag Gov. Herbert wrote on his Facebook page. He highlighted that the S.C.R. 9 resolution on pornography will push for more education and seek public discussions to address the effects of porn to health.
In a news conference, Gov. Herbert stated that some might not agree with the move, but it doesn't take away the reality of pornography being rampant and easily accessible with technology. Herbert further asserts, via The Salt Lake Tribune, that they are mere proclaiming the truth.
Pornography In Utah Not Banned
However, the resolution does not ban pornography in Utah, nor will it mete powers to punish offenders. It will not require the state to dole out unnecessary expenses, either. The move was done to increase education and awareness, especially among the younger generation.
"We want Utah youths to understand the addictive habits of porn that are harmful to our society," said John Cox, the governor's spokesperson via CNN. The resolution emphasizes the role of parents in teaching their children, as well as making communities aware that access to porn should be limited, such as with free internet.
"If a library or a McDonald's or anyone else was giving out cigarettes to our children, we would be picketing them," said Sen.Todd Weiler, who is sponsoring the resolution in the senate, per The Washington Post. "Our children are accessing pornography on their tablets on these sites and we seem to be OK with that," he added.
Reporting Child Pornography
Gov. Herbert also signed the H.B. 155 bill, along with the resolution, which seeks to enforce action against child pornographers. Under this, computer technicians are required to child pornography if this is discovered in their place of work. Failing to do so would be classified as a Class B Misdemeanor.
Happening now: Signing #SCR9 to declare pornography a public health crisis. #utpol pic.twitter.com/Xv4xQGtm0j
— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) April 19, 2016
Weiler said that other states should follow in Utah's example. Watch as he talks about porn and its hazards to public health in the video below:
