The Utah Senate gave preliminary approval to a resolution that would declare pornography a public health hazard.
Republican Senator Todd Weiler’s resolution has received national attention. He’s appeared on several midday talk shows to discuss his belief that pornography is creating a public health crisis and harming society.
Weiler says he wants to make it clear that the non-binding resolution doesn’t violate anyone’s 1st Amendment right to view or access porn. He says ultimately, he’d like Congress to follow the United Kingdom’s approach to viewing porn online.
“They’ve made their internet default porn-free,” he explains. “And in order to access pornography in England, which is legal there, you have to opt-in to it.”
Legislators waived discussion to the resolution —and everyone present voted to approve it.
Democratic Senator Jim Dabakis was absent during voting, but he wonders about the priorities of his fellow lawmakers. He points out that there are still thousands of Utahns in the health insurance coverage gap.
“But the senate refuses to declare that a public health crisis,” Dabakis says. “The obesity in children—which is crippling a whole generation of kids—that’s an emergency health crisis.”
Senators will vote one more time on SCR9 before sending it to the Utah House for consideration.
