30 June 1997

Dear Madam/Sir

With reference to Angela Johnson’s interview with Kevin Bishop (M&G June 27 to July 3), in which she mentions the fact that Bishop was "boldy touting the idea [of the North American Man Boy Love Association] at the recent annual general meeting of the Freedom of Expression Institute...", the FXI would like to place the following on record:

1. Mr Bishop handed out pamphlets relating to NAMBLA before the Annual General meeting and the "touting" of his ideas was not part of the formal proceedings of the meeting.

2. The FXI is mindful of the fact that any of the activities advocated by Mr Bishop relating to sex between adults and minors, if undertaken in South Africa, would be illegal. We do not oppose the criminalisation of these activites but we do, however, respect Mr Bishop’s right to distribute his pamphlets freely.

3. The FXI in no way supports or advocates pornography, be it pornography depicting children or adults. The FXI believes that censorship legislation, however good-intentioned, aimed at restricting one form of expression can easily be used to restrict other legitimate forms of expression. As such we are opposed to all forms of legislation which may restrict the free expression of ideas or opinions. Efforts to restrict pornography often have been used as the justification to introduce censorship legislation and our opposition to the latter can in no way be construed as support for pornography. The FXI believes that civil society regulation of pornography as opposed to statutory control is the most desirable means of restricting the proliferation of pornography. We do not believe that government should be responsible for policing any forms of expression in society.

4. On the specific question of child pornography: The FXI supports measures that will restrict the importation, production and distribution of child pornography in South Africa as we believe the use of children in pornographic videos and magazines amount to a violation of their human rights.

Yours faithfully
 

R. Galant
Information Officer - Freedom of Expression Institute

P.O. Box 30668
Braamfontein
2017