Page 2766 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 21 November 1989
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that classic statement of small "l" liberalism encompasses the situation here where persons see X-rated videos in their own homes or whether this is something which has a wider impact and affects other people besides those who see videos in their own homes. In my view, Mr Speaker, it clearly is a wider case.
Mr Duby: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; we have earlier tonight heard the Leader of the Opposition - - -
MR SPEAKER: Mr Duby, please resume your seat. If you are going to make a point of order, look at your standing orders and pick the correct terminology to do so. You are wishing to debate the issue again. Please proceed, Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, as I was about to say, the Liberal Party is concerned with the impact of X-rated videos, in particular, on adult viewers. The evidence of behavioural changes in those that view pornography is very strong.
Mr Duby: Are you talking about taxing or banning it?
MR HUMPHRIES: No, Mr Duby, we are not talking about a tax. We are talking about the issue of whether this Territory should have X-rated videos. The two issues are inextricably bound up.
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; standing order 58 provides that a member shall not digress from the subject matter of any question under discussion. Mr Humphries has, himself, just pointed out that that is exactly what he is doing.
MR SPEAKER: Please stick closer to the point, Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, on the point of order, I know that Mr Moore has already drawn to the attention of the Assembly his view that it is not in order for this place to be discussing censorship or the issue of the morality of X-rated videos. I would like to quote from the self-government Act, particularly the clause which I understand Mr Moore relies upon, to indicate that there is no problem with that and that, in fact, we are perfectly at liberty to discuss any issue, particularly the moral implications of this legislation tonight. The Act says, "Subject to this section, the Assembly has no power to make laws with respect to the classification of materials for the purposes of censorship".
Mr Speaker, I would submit to the Assembly that if that clause read, "The Assembly has power with respect to censorship", Mr Moore would have a point, but we are talking here about the classification of materials. Now, this Bill does not seek to classify materials. Opposition to this Bill does not in any way affect the classification
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