Trash City
30-01-2004, 00:12
In a sweeping, but not entirely unexpected, move today, the government of Trash City announced the abolition of all forms of artistic censorship. Speaking at a press conference, Internal Affairs Minister Max Renn said "Freedom of expression is essential for the growth and development of any nation, and we believe strongly that it is not government's place to dictate to any individual what they watch, listen to, or read."
This decision is believed to be in reaction to recent demands for the banning of certain heavy metal songs, which the government flatly rejected. Instead, material suitable for adults, in any media, will be tagged with an "A" logo, and the final decision on its suitability will be left to parents.
"Save in cases of national security, we do not accept that censorship of any kind is beneficial," said Renn. "We doubt there is a significant detrimental effect on behaviour - citizens simply need to accept full responsibility for their actions, rather than trying to blame rock music, movies or video games."
"We appreciate that, especially on the outer fringes of pornography, some may be shocked at our decision to remove all limitations. But the benefits of censorship are highly questionable, and abuse is already covered by existing legislation - the presence or absence of a camera in such cases is a red-herring." It is expected that Trash City will propose similar legislation to the United Nations, as soon as sufficient endorsement is obtained from other North Pacific regions.
Meanwhile, reaction inside the country has been mixed, but largely predictable. Moral campaigners have called it "a charter for paedophiles," while those in the artistic community have welcomed the end of government intervention. Either way, this move looks likely to increase Trash City's liberal reputation - already among the top 6% worldwide - significantly.
This decision is believed to be in reaction to recent demands for the banning of certain heavy metal songs, which the government flatly rejected. Instead, material suitable for adults, in any media, will be tagged with an "A" logo, and the final decision on its suitability will be left to parents.
"Save in cases of national security, we do not accept that censorship of any kind is beneficial," said Renn. "We doubt there is a significant detrimental effect on behaviour - citizens simply need to accept full responsibility for their actions, rather than trying to blame rock music, movies or video games."
"We appreciate that, especially on the outer fringes of pornography, some may be shocked at our decision to remove all limitations. But the benefits of censorship are highly questionable, and abuse is already covered by existing legislation - the presence or absence of a camera in such cases is a red-herring." It is expected that Trash City will propose similar legislation to the United Nations, as soon as sufficient endorsement is obtained from other North Pacific regions.
Meanwhile, reaction inside the country has been mixed, but largely predictable. Moral campaigners have called it "a charter for paedophiles," while those in the artistic community have welcomed the end of government intervention. Either way, this move looks likely to increase Trash City's liberal reputation - already among the top 6% worldwide - significantly.