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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 25, 2024 02:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Stephenie Scialabba |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibition on Child Erotica |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to prohibit the possession and distribution of child erotica, or any material depicting a minor in a sexually explicit manner. Specifically, my legislation will define the term “child erotica” as any visual material that (1) depicts the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of an unclothed, partially clothed, or clothed child; (2) appeals to a prurient interest; and (3) contains no serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Law enforcement officers who investigate child pornography and child sex abuse cases commonly encounter images that are sexually explicit and clearly possessed for sexual gratification, but do not meet the definition of child pornography. Unless the investigating officers discover child pornography or evidence of sexual abuse, the individuals who possess such images are not subjected to any criminal charges. Children have a right to dignity and protection from exploitation. Minors who are depicted in sexually explicit images, even though they may not be engaged in overtly sexual acts, can suffer psychological and emotional trauma from the knowledge that such images exist and may be disseminated online. Permitting any form of sexually explicit imagery involving children to freely circulate the dark web without legal consequences risks normalizing pedophilia, which can lead to further exploitation and harm to children. Several jurisdictions, including Texas, New Jersey, and New York, prohibit the possession and distribution of child erotica. I believe it is time for Pennsylvania to join these states in helping prevent the sexual exploitation of children. Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation to better protect our Commonwealth. |
Introduced as HB2418