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BREIFING ABOUT CAAN.
Key Campaigns
CAAN is currently most active on two issues - although in fact they are closely related.
- we are asking the government not to "commence" the extreme porn law, passed in the Criminal Justice Act 2008.
- we are asking the government to think again about its witch-hunt that began with provisions in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 allowing it to sack approximately half the workforce for possessing sado-masochistic material of any kind.
The first of these pieces of legislation criminalises individuals for possessing material that is produced for the purposes of sexual arousal, depicts realistic violence, and is grossly offensive. The legislation itself has already been exposed by many commentators as ludicrous:
- it is believed to breach the Government's own Human Rights' Laws;
- it will criminalise individuals for owning pictures depicting wholly legal and consensual activity;
- it is inconsistent, with some of the most (theoretically) harmful material allowed - and up to three years in jail for less harmful material;
- it actually encourages behaviour that is far more dangerous and, if the government's own publicity is to be believed, more likely to lead to sexual violence.
In terms of its effects on the growing BDSM (Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism and Masochism) communities in the UK it is likely to be equally disastrous:
- it is already souring relationships with the police, and therefore is likely to make future policing of "the scene" far more difficult
- it is having a "chilling effect" on individuals prepared to write about safe practices, thereby increasing future risk
- it is law that will encourage blackmail
- it is replacing material produced by individuals with experience and a genuine dedication toward their activity with commercial material produced by companies that have provided significant financial supporters to New Labour in the past
- worst of all, there is evidence already that the Government attack on this lifestyle is impacting upon safety and leading to greater risk for vulnerable people involved (case studies available on request).
The second piece of legislation is having an even more disastrous effect on individuals whose sexuality does not fall within the norms prescribed by government. At the very last minute, in 2006, government amended the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act to give it the power to exclude from a wide range of jobs anyone with a serious interest in sado-masochistic material.
The effects of this legislation are already being felt, as individuals wishing to pursue a career in areas as diverse as plumbing, teaching and admin find themselves quizzed at interview about their sexual interests. The clear implication is that anyone with bdsm interests is no longer welcome as part of the workforce or as a volunteer.
If you would like further details about CAAN, our statement of principles or our campaigns, please go to: www.caan.org.uk you can also email us at info@caan.org.uk .
Edited Sat 25 Oct 08, 2:02 PM by C_A_A_N
