"you are judging censorship within the context of a totalitarian society, one that was totally devoid of the healthy checks and balances of democratic societies."

Yes.

And the cornerstone of these checks and balances?

Complete freedom of expression between adults, with the only exception being incitements to violence.

As for the 50s mention you make - absolutely. It was terrible wasn't it? Good thing we now have a freer society.

Did anyone pay attention to OE.
His testimony was of great value.
He said in 40years as a parole officer he hadnt met one sex offender who hadnt fed on a diet of porn.
Its the testimony of the witnesses that are more important to the porn/sex crime side of the argument than millions of words otherwise. No one wants the witnesses... just the talk.

and a very warm welcome to you too, Col Rouge.

I should have been clearer when I said, “I haven't read this report, but I know from personal experience that the comments above are all true”. I was referring to the personal testimonies of users of porn that had posted before and after my post. Of course I wouldn't comment on a report I haven't even read! Sorry for the mis-understanding.

I will endeavour to be much clearer next time.

It was a general, personal involvement with the crippling effects of porn that I wrote from. I still maintain what I said and don't take back a word.

I haven't read the articles you mentioned yet, but will in the future.

Col Rouge, you say

"Censorship is what is detrimental and the greater risk to our quality of life

"I can choose to ignore pornography,
I do not get the choice to ignore censorship".

What if someone is addicted to porn? Have they the ability to choose like your good self? I have had mates who are addicted to alcohol and couldn't choose to not drink. They had to be brought to a situation where they realised they were a slave. Other friends whose marriages and relationships have been wrecked by pornography, they were not in a position to choose - they couldn't. At some point some higher authority, has to step in. (We're a long way from the stifling picture you conjure up of China, in Australia). Count your freedoms!

I'm glad censors stop us from seeing extremely violent acts on the news. I'm glad Police put up a shield to cover the deceased after a car accident.

I'm so glad that Playschool exists, cause it bears testimony to the fact that deep down, after all is said and done, and we've all read the extremely interesting facts and figures on things, blah, blah blah, etc., etc. - ULTIMATELY WE ALL KNOW THAT GLOATING OVER SOMEONE ELSES BODY FOR OUR SATIFISFACTION IS WRONG.

So un-P.C. How ignorant I must be!.

Censorship is everywhere - get over it. Actually; rather than focus in on all the ways that it so inhibits your freedom, have a grain of love for your fellow person who can't help/save himself in the midst of their addiction and support the Government who is trying to find a way of legislating to support them.

Liam Mully “What if someone is addicted to porn?”

What is someone is addicted to the self-righteous arrogance and faux-piety of “Religious Fundamentalism (supposed denomination is irrelevant)?

“Have they the ability to choose like your good self? I have had mates who are addicted to” BIBLE BASHING“and couldn't choose to not PREACH.

They had to be brought to a situation where they realised they were a slave TO BIGOTRY.

“Other friends whose marriages and relationships have been wrecked by” RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE.

“they were not in a position to choose - they couldn't.”

“At some point some higher authority, has to step in. (We're a long way from the stifling picture you conjure up of China, in Australia). Count your freedoms!”

See just change a few words and I can challenge you with the same “reasoning” which you challenge me with.

How does it sound?

The excesses of religious intolerance and bigotry have, through the ages, resulted in more misery, more human degradation, more death than pornography. No Wars in the name of Pornography.

So who is this “higher authority"? government?

Keating government,

Keating, a sham marriage, wife dispensed with once he was out of office.
Evans and Kernow adulterers
Richardson secret Swiss bank accounts
Bob Collins pedophile

Is that an example of the “higher authority” you wish to “step in”
I would rather step in dog droppings, it would smell sweeter.

So if not government, maybe a religious authority would suit

Hollingworth the archbishop cover-upper in charge of his bunch of perverts
The Church of Rome, infested with pedophiles

“I'm glad censors stop us”
You might prefer a more “stern hand” than the rest of us, I do not know, it depends on what “rocks your boat”.

“Censorship is everywhere - get over it.”

Yes, in the “public arena” and we should never forget the demands of public decency is an entirely different “place” to the privacy which we respect and expect to enjoy as consenting adults.

As for “addiction”, that is a fraud and you know it. Although, addiction to porn does give “shooting up” an entirely new definition.

Col Rouge, I am sad that you seem never to have met anyone who really loves The Lord and serves others with His love and compassion. Maybe you could read about Billy Graham, Watchman Nee, Brother Yun, Smith Wigglesworth, Charles Newington, Jordan Tetley and Mother Teresa, to mention only a few. They are true, obedient and compassion men and women full of integrity following in the footsteps of Christ.

Other than that, trying to protect individuals in society from pornography has nothing to do with religion.