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Citizens for Decency through Law
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Citizens for Decency through Law
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: Citizens for Decency through Law
Box: 4
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
Published by Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
Vol. 19, No. 5
September - October 1982
Phoenix, Arizona
President Petitioned to Review Policy
on Federal Obscenity Prosecutions
Father Morton Hill, founder and
without interference by the federal
The White House
President of Morality in Media,
government. Mr. McGeady gave the
moderated the meeting and set the
figures for the number of cases
agenda for the discussions. He in-
under the federal obscenity laws in
troduced a panel of veteran profes-
recent years: In 1978, only two
sionals who have been active in
dozen convictions were obtained in
obscenity law enforcement to give
the whole country, 13 of which
their opinion to the assembled
were child porn. In 1979 and 1980,
group and Administration officials
one dozen pornographers were
on the scope of the problem and
convicted and eight child por-
some practical solutions. Dr. Victor
nographers nationwide. In 1981,
Cline, a psychologist and expert
nine child porn and nine major por-
prosecution witness, reminded all
nography defendants were con-
that pornography has pathological
victed. The porn distributors con-
formal procedure is under-
effects on its viewers and con-
victed in the last two years were
A
way to make the President
tributes to abuse and sex crimes.
basically involved in only two
aware of the lack of federal
Mr. Homer Young was one of the
cases, one in Boston and the
enforcement of the existing
FBI's top organized crime and
MIPORN cases in Miami. To say
obscenity statutes and to request
obscenity investigators for thirty
that only 32 pornographers involv-
him to direct the Department of
years and made the statement that
ed in the billion dollar national
Justice to change its restrictive
the federal agencies could break
porn market were convicted in the
policies in order to allow the 95
down the pornography syndicates
last four and half years by federal
U.S. Attorneys, the FBI, Customs,
in eighteen months with a serious
prosecutors is proof that the
and the Postal Inspectors to in-
effort. Mr. Larry Parrish, former
federal government's inaction has
vestigate and prosecute the multi-
Assistant U.S. Attorney in Mem-
given the green light to the hard-
million dollar traffic in pornography.
phis, described how the FBI un-
core obscenity industry in America.
The first step in the protocol was a
covered the national conspiracy to
The only thing that is holding the
meeting at the White House Old
make and distribute "Deep Throat"
line at all is the effort of state and
and how his office obtained federal
local authorities, where the vast
Executive Office Building on July
27, 1982. Fifty representatives of
convictions against the major
majority of obscenity prosecutions
numerous public service groups,
figures involved. His success was
are taking place.
media and religious organizations,
the biggest federal case prior to
corporations, and research and
MIPORN and shows that the legal
(continued on page 2)
legal foundations were invited by
battle can be won. Mr. Paul
Mr. Morton Blackwell, Special
McGeady, General Counsel of
Assistant to the President for
Morality in Media and a
Public Liason. Representatives of
knowledgeable expert on obscenity
the Justice Department, FBI,
cases and statutes, exposed the
Regional
Customs, the Postal Service, and
Justice Department's written policy
Obscenity
several members of the President's
of forbidding the federal agencies
and prosecutors from bringing any
Conference
staff were present.
cases unless child porn or organized
crime leaders are directly in-
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
volved. This means that hard-core
Sept. 16 and 17, 1982
pornography is being imported,
Details inside.
mailed, and shipped between states
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
CDL's General Counsel, Bruce
without a question how serious the
that their local U.S. Attorney
Taylor, presented intelligence in-
problem has become, and that he
wishes to prosecute. We need this
formation from the FBI and Justice
must direct the Department of
involvement by the federal govern-
Department's own reports, backed
Justice, the FBI, the Postal Inspec-
ment. Their strength and leader-
up by reports by the police depart-
tors, and the Customs Agents to
ship will bolster the efforts of city
ments of most of America's big
stop the importing, interstate ship-
police and prosecutors and put the
cities, that organized crime figures
ment, mailing, and broadcasting of
fear of the law back into this
are involved with the "adult" porn
hard core obscenity.
blatantly criminal industry. CDL
syndicates. It was pointed out from
The next step in the protocol pro-
will work hard to assist the govern-
experience that the change in the
cedure is for the White House staff
ment in any efforts undertaken and
problem from a few hard-core
to submit the results of this
only the best could come from
outlets in big city back alleys ten
Meeting to the President's Advisory
such a change in federal policy.
years ago to "adult" bookstores
Council on Legal Policy, which in
and theaters and live sex shows in
turn will make a recommendation
nearly every city, suburb, and town
to the President. The President will
in every state today prove the
then consider the matter and make
Petition the
result of the federal government's
a decision.
"hands off" policy. The problem is
President
now too big for local cities to con-
The decision sought by the
trol alone. The federal government
Meeting was to have the Attorney
General direct the Justice Depart-
T
he following page is a peti-
must assist in a nationwide effort
tion addressed to the Presi-
by all the law enforcement agen-
ment to allow approval of prosecu-
dent of the United States.
cies to stop this powerful porn in-
tions by the U.S. Attorneys and
Strike Forces on violations of all
The petition reflects the Statement
dustry and prevent the further
of the Meeting in Washington, D.C.
growth of porn, prostitution, drugs,
federal obscenity statutes. Restrict-
loansharking, bribery, and violence
ing approval only to child porn,
We are asking our subscribers to
organized crime or major
remove or copy the petition and
which has resulted from this situa-
distributors leaves thousands of
circulate it in your community. It
tion.
violations of the mails, customs,
would be important to obtain the
Distinguished representatives next
and ITOM (Interstate Transporta-
signatures from your community
were called upon to state the con-
tion of Obscene Material) statutes.
leaders; Mayor and council, law en-
cerns of their organizations, con-
It is hoped that U.S. Attorneys who
forcement personnel, civic leaders,
gregations, constituents, and sup-
wish to proceed against local por-
church leaders and members, the
porters over the explosion of por-
nographers and distributors, or in-
business community, and your
nography and the need for decisive
dividual schemes involving hard-
neighbors.
action.
core pornography or particularly
After you have obtained all the
offensive materials, would deter
Representing the Justice Depart-
signatures you can, send it back to
violations by the vast number of
us and we will forward the petitions
ment, Mr. Jonathan Rose, Assistant
Attorney General, promised that
less powerful pornographers and
to President Reagan.
their associates and conspirators.
the message of the meeting would
be taken back to the Honorable
A change in the policy to subject
William French Smith, United
all pornographers to possible ac-
tions would remove the ability and
States Attorney General, and fur-
ther promised that the policies of
willingness of pornographers to
make, distribute, and show hard-
the Justice Department relating to
core materials without fear of pro-
Send completed petitions to:
obscenity cases would be reviewed.
secution anywhere in the country
Citizens for Decency through Law
In order to support the good inten-
as long as they don't get caught
2331 W. Royal Palm Road
tions of the present Justice Depart-
with "kiddie" porn. The change in
Suite #105
ment, the participants made a mo-
policy would be its own deterrent
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
tion that a meeting with President
and would free the hands of those
Attn: Petitions
Reagan and Attorney General
agents, inspectors, and in-
Smith be arranged. A resolution
vestigators who uncover violations
was made to take the concerns of
the members, and a Statement
signed by all present, directly to
the President so he will know
Petition to the Honorable Ronald Reagan,
President of the United States
WHEREAS, the proliferation of obscenity in the United States has reached a level of national concern and is
directly affecting the quality of life, the moral fabric of the country, and the right and obligation of the govern-
ment to maintain a decent society, and
WHEREAS, it has become increasingly apparent that enforcement of existing federal obscenity laws during the
previous years has been wholly inadequate, and
WHEREAS, federal law enforcement with respect to such laws must be made more aggressive and effective,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President of the United States be requested to publicly indicate
that prosecution of the federal laws relating to the Mailing, Importing, Broadcasting and Interstate Transportation
of Obscenity is to him a matter of utmost importance, and to direct the Attorney General to issue instructions to
the Federal Bureau of Investigation and all United States Attorneys to make this matter of prime concern.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that such instructions authorize and encourage all United States Attorneys to institute
criminal proceedings of violations of such laws brought to their attention by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
the United States Postal Service and United States Customs.
NAME
ADDRESS
(Detach here)
(If you need more petitions, Xerox copies are acceptable.)
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
AFAA Targets
Variety also exposed the porn syn-
There are many pornographic
dicates' efforts to capture a
CDL
magazines which describe how the
"broadening market base in
act is to be performed. However,
homevideo and cable TV" with a
pornographers don't mention that
DL was described as a
"higher grade" soft-porn product.
C
only 4.4 pounds of pressure on the
serious threat to the porn in-
The AFAA also announced plans
carotid artery for 8 seconds will
dustry at the annual conven-
for an "attorneys hotline", and a
cause a person to involuntarily sub-
tion of the Adult Film Association
"War Chest" to oppose CDL and
mit to unconsciousness. Once un-
of America in New York. The
support political candidates and
conscious, the person can't stand
AFAA is made up of the nation's
legislation in favor of legitimizing
up, and will die unless someone
hard and soft core pornography
pornography. It was obvious that
releases the pressure immediately.
producers — the porn industry's at-
the AFAA did not appreciate the
tempt to act criminally but look
works of CDL, as stated in the arti-
Robert Davis, a 13-year-old youth
legitimate. Two articles exposed
cle:
from upstate New York, died last
month. His body was found hang-
the platform and concerns of the
"Five years ago, you could
ing from a tree in a wooded area
convention and show the brazen
still depend on the ig-
near his home. According to
confidence with which the por-
norance and inexperience
newspaper accounts, the local
nographers conspire to violate
of local prosecutors to win
sheriff stated that the boy died ex-
federal, state, and local obscenity
you cases," attorney Robert
perimenting with bondage posi-
laws.
Smith told a lunchtime
tions which were dipicted in Pent-
Michael Gallagher of the U.S.
legal seminar, arguing that
house, Hustler and Playboy. The
Catholic Conference Department of
privately financed computer
sheriff stated that several of these
Communication wrote an article for
banks and traveling bat-
magazines were strewn around the
The Tidings paper in Los Angeles
teries of attorneys from the
body.
entitled, "Adult" Films Going
moral watchdog group
Two other youths, one 13 and one
Straight Into Homes via Cable" on
Citizens for Decency
12, died in the same manner and in
May 21, 1982, in which he stated:
through Law have reversed
the same general location within
THE FIVE-MEMBER AFAA
that situation in a big way.
the last six months. We know of
Legal Advisory Board,
Hence, the move to form an
similar deaths in Michigan, Califor-
which includes "some of
organized lobbying and
nia, and other places.
the foremost First
legal info body, which in a
sense would become the
What a waste. What would have
Ammendment attorneys na-
adult film biz's battling
happened had those "magazines"
tionwide" (names available
on request), took up the
counterpart to the CDL.
not been available? Is the money
problems of film piracy
Let's hope we can continue to have
and wealth gained from the sale of
such filth worth the lives of these
-they're going to set up a
this effect on the porn producers
and their traveling group of
children and the many others we
piracy hotline and the
never hear about?
even more vexing problem
defense lawyers. However, we now
of doing battle with the
know it's going to be serious
Supreme Court
Citizens for Decency
business and the enemy has ar-
through Law, who seem to
mored itself for major offensives.
Upholds Child
have no respect for the
right of these honest
Porn Laws
tradesmen to earn a decent
living through the distribu-
Pornography Kills
n its most important deci-
tion of their wares.
t is called "autoerotic
I
sion for children in its
The entertainment industry trade
I
history, the U.S. Supreme
asphyxia". The Coroner of
paper, Variety, ran a story on
Court upheld the New York child
the State of New York says
March 10, 1982, entitled "Adult Pix
porn statute. On July 2nd, the
that deaths attributed to it are in-
Eye Cable Boom, Legal Gloom,"
Court decided New York V. Ferber,
creasing.
which quoted several of the
and held that the law could pro-
AFAA's lawyers who were com-
What is it? It is an accidental
hibit the distribution of films and
plaining of the increasing numbers
death, not suicide. It is a type of
photographs of minors engaging in
of zoning and public nuisance laws,
masochism where masturbation is
sexual conduct or lewd exhibition
and the success of prosecutions in
practiced while hanging oneself
of the genitals. This was a major
eliminating porn books and movies
"almost" to the point of blackout.
departure from "adult" por-
from Atlanta and Jacksonville.
nography cases in that the Court
said such depictions of child sex
did not have to be proven legally
obscene under its three-part "Miller
Test".
The briefs filed with the Court were
most knowledgeable officers in the
The Crime Commission is made up
exceptional. The Court accepted
country on organized crime's in-
of State Senators Marino, Berns-
the positions of the N.Y. District
volvement with pornography pro-
tein, Johnson, and Babbush.
Attorney and Father Ritter's Cove-
duction and distribution and coor-
Jeremiah McKenna is the Commit-
nant House that only the strongest
dinates a nationwide clearinghouse
tee's General Counsel. This Com-
deterrent possible can help stop
of intellegence information for the
mittee is probably the foremost in-
the devastating psychological and
police departments of most of
vestigative crime commission in
physical results on the children,
America's metropolitan cities.
the country and has become a
and the legal argument of Charles
CDL's Bruce Taylor also testified
preeminent source of information
Keating and CDL that child porn is
on the involvement of organized
on criminal conduct, reform of
so vile that is is "obscene per se"
crime and on the structure and
criminal laws, and on organized
and utterly without First Ammend-
inter-connections within the nation-
crime and foreign influences.
ment protection.
wide pornography syndicates.
Laws banning outright all por-
Taylor also presented specific pro-
nographic photos of children exist
posals for strengthening New
Regional
in 19 states besides New York. The
York's obscenity and child porn
federal statutes and many other
statutes and gave advice on pro-
Obscenity
states ban only "obscene" child
secution tactics for controlling the
Conference to be
pornography. These laws should be
porn and child abuse problem. It is
changed to adopt the New York
Taylor's opinion that to effectively
model and also provide a separate
deter the use of children, law en-
held in Pittsburgh
and higher felony penalty where
forcement must continue to pro-
the child porn is also "obscene".
secute the "adult" porn figures and
The Court's opinion identifies the
prostitution at all levels. Only
O
n September 16th and 17th,
a Regional Obscenity Con-
through concentrated state and
ference is being held in Pitts-
laws of all the states and is publish-
ed in Volume 50 of U.S. Law Week,
federal enforcement can the flow of
burgh, Pennsylvania. The Con-
page 5077, available in most
funds and market for new "talent"
ference is being sponsored by the
libraries and law libraries or CDL
be prevented from spilling from
Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation
and the Pennsylvania Coalition
will gladly supply a copy on re-
narcotics, gambling, bribery, pro-
quest.
stitution, and pornography onto
Against Pornography. CDL's legal
child porn and child slavery and
counsel Faye Gardner has been
CDL Testifies
prostitution.
working closely with the sponsor
leaders to help make the Con-
Before New York
An undercover investigator also
ference the most informative event
told how Mafia-run call-boy ser-
for community and governmental
Crime Commission
vices in New York and D.C. have
leaders since the National Con-
sold information on political and
ference in Phoenix, Arizona, last
business "clients" to foreign in-
he New York Select Commit-
year.
T
telligence agencies, including the
tee on Crime heard
Soviets. The Committee also heard
On Thursday evening, September
testimony July 26 and 27th
from the New York City Police,
16th, Father Bruce Ritter, the
from law enforcement officers into
Director of Covenant House in New
U.S. Customs, and prosecutors
the problems and solutions
from local county and city offices
York City, is scheduled to give a
associated with child pornography
on the investigative and judicial
major address to the Conference.
and sexual exploitation, with em-
problems in enforcing the existing
Covenant house is a licensed, non-
phasis on organized crime and on
statutes. Also testifying were Sgt.
profit child care agency which
the growing use of young boys in
Tom Rogers of the Indianapolis
specializes in helping the sexually
prostitution and pornography.
Police Department, a recognized
abused teenage runaways who have
The witness list is an impressive ar-
expert on the nationwide problems
been exploited by New York City's
ray of seasoned veterans with first
of child pornography and child
sex industry and was instrumental
hand knowledge of these
prostitution, and from Dr. Samuel
in the landmark decision by the
monstrous problems. Testifying on
Janus, a psychotherapist with ex-
United States Supreme Court in
the influence of organized crime
perience and knowledge on child
the child pornography case against
sexual abuse and author of The
Ira Ferber in New York.
and Mafia figures on the porn and
sex industries were Det. Carl Shof-
Death of Innocence.
fler and Det. Anne Fisher of the
Organized Crime Branch of the
Metropolitan Police of Washington,
D.C.. Det. Shoffler is one of the
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
On Friday, September 17th,
public Nuisance ordinance against
the past two years. Deputy Pro-
workshops will be conducted in the
pornography outlets. Mrs.
secutor Mark Chambers and CDL's
morning, the afternoon, and for
Gardner's speech included informa-
Bruce Taylor were opposed by
those unable to attend the day ses-
tion on the conrol by organized
Baltimore defense lawyer Burton
sions, an evening session. The
crime of the pornography industry
Sandler, his assistants, and a local
numerous workshop topics are
nationwide and the importance of
Fort Wayne defense attorney.
separately directed toward citizens,
taking action in Pennsylvania to
(Previous trials were defended by
law enforcement officials, and
combat the sexual victimization
the office of Atlanta porn attorney
legislators. The faculty will include
that is pornography.
Robert Eugene Smith who is an ad-
such nationally recognized experts
Present at a meeting on June 18th
visor to the Adult Film Association
as David H. Bludworth, State At-
were prominent businessmen from
and an active lawyer for the porn
torney of Florida, who successfully
major corporations headquartered
industry nationwide.)
used the Florida RICO statute
in Pittsburgh, and public officials
against the organized criminal ac-
such as prosecutors and
Crucial to the defense was the re-
tivity of the pornographers; George
legislators. They heard speeches by
quest by Mr. Sandler to have the
Weaver, Assistant Solicitor General
Mr. Fein, Mrs. Gardner, and Donald
film judged by the standards of the
of Atlanta, Georgia, who assisted in
Lewis, the District Attorney fro
homosexual community, rather
prosecuting and closing all the
Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
than the adult community as a
Atlanta pornography outlets, and
Mr. Lewis talked about his suc-
whole. Veteran Judge Robert
Dr. Blaine McLaughlin, Senior
cessful efforts in prosecuting the
Meyers rejected this request and
Psychiatrist of The Psychiatric In-
pornographers in Crawford County.
had the jurors apply the standards
stitute of Fort Worth, Texas, who is
The meeting attendees, with sug-
of Allen County's whole popula-
an authority on the harmful effects
gestions from the speakers,
tion. The jury could understand
of pornography.
discussed what their role should be
their own community standards
The Conference fee is only $15.00
in assisting their local law enforce-
and said the hard-core sodomy film
for both day sessions. The evening
ment agencies.
was obscene under Indiana law.
session fee is only $5.00.
CDL applauds these public spirited
The "battle of experts" was an im-
If you would like more information
individuals for their sense of com-
portant part of the defense
about attending the Conference,
munity and their efforts to work
strategy, but advance preparation
please call the Pittsburgh Leader-
together in combating the harms
by the prosecutors prevented the
ship Foundation at (412) 281-3752
flowing from the pornography in-
impact the pornographers hoped
or write the Pennsylvania Coalition
dustry.
for. Three self-proclaimed "sex-
Against Pornography, P.O. Box
ologists" from San Francisco,
14510, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Fort Wayne Wins
Theodore Mcllvenna, Wardell
15234.
Major Trial
Pomeroy, and Loretta Haroian,
Hope to see you there.
tried to convince the jury that por-
nographic films are normal and
Pre-Conference
I
n what is becoming a major
contribute to healthy sexual at-
defensive tactic of the porn
titudes, even in homosexuals. At
Activities in
industry, Fort Wayne, In-
their own Institute for the Advanced
diana, was the site of a recent
Study of Human Sexuality, these
Pittsburgh
obscenity trial where experienced
three people view, make, and store
attorneys from other states and
hundreds of hard-core porn films
hired "sexologists" tried to over-
and books and grant themselves
I
n June, the Pittsburgh Press
Club was the site of two im-
whelm local communities and
and others their "degree" of "Doc-
portant meetings to lay the
frustrate law enforcement. The ef-
tor of Sexology". The Hedonistic
foundation for the September
fort failed for the pornographers on
philosophy these people gave to
Regional Obscenity Conference. On
July 15th when the jury returned a
the jury was admirably rebutted by
June 17th, religious leaders from
Verdict of Guilty of distributing an
Dr. James Spink, a psychologist
throughout Western Pennsylvania
obscene film, "Cruising". The two
with the Family Counseling Clinic
met to hear Marvin Fein, Assistant
day trial involving the male
who was called by the prosecutors
City Solicitor of Pittsburgh, and
homosexual film sold to an under-
to testify. This was his first
CDL's legal counsel Faye Gardner
cover police officer was an expen-
obscenity trial and his testimony
to discuss what they could do to
sive and desperate attempt to
was unknown to the State as well
support the September Conference
reverse the series of convictions
as the defense.
and the fight against sexual ex-
gathered in the County Court over
ploitation. Mr. Fein spoke about
his successes using Pittsburgh's
However, trusting in the decency
the right and the language with
Enter David Rickard and Fay
and common sense of a dedicated
which to regulate "indecent" and
Angus, concerned citizens of Sierra
professional with academic creden-
"patently offensive" programming.
Madre. They set up a hearing
tials of the highest level from some
By ignoring this fact, the Escon-
before the city council which took
of the best universities in America
dido city council opened wide the
place July 27th. Rickard and Mrs.
and abroad proved to be the bomb-
door to the pornographers.
Angus testified, as did CDL's Jim
shell that destroyed the enemy. Dr.
But the Reverend Falling was in
Clancy and Ernie Schulzke. The
Spink refuted the anything-goes
good spirits. With characteristic
council listened attentively and
evidence of the porn-biased sex-
vigor, he declared that the battle
politely. Media coverage was in-
ologists and told the jury the truth:
has just begun.
tense. KABC-TV, the leading news
that porn does appeal to a prurient
We at CDL wish the citizens of
station in the Los Angeles area
interest and is harmful to stable
sexual and family relationships. He
Escondido every success, and
gave an extensive and favorable
stand ready to assist. After all, the
report. A KABC-TV commentator
stressed respect for people as
human beings, rather than as
city belongs to the people - not
accurately voiced the concerns of
the council.
the citizens of Sierra Madre, and
pieces of meat, and the jury ob-
the challenge to its city council.
viously agreed with him.
CDL Represented
This hearing was a preliminary step
This trial proves the need and
to express concern. No action was
worth of CDL's experience and
assistance. The familiarity of our
at Sierra Madre
anticipated. Nor was any taken.
Further meetings with City Council
lawyers with the defense tactics of
these travelling defense attorneys
Cable Hearings
members are planned. David
Rickard and Fay Angus and other
and of the bias and proclivities of
their favorite "expert" witnesses
ierra Madre is a tiny com-
citizens of that fine community are
proved to be a key in insuring that
S
munity nestled against the
to be congratulated for their
the people could once more uphold
mountains just east of
tremendous effort.
their own community standards
Pasadena, California. It is a plea-
THE LESSON FOR ALL COM-
sant place. But it shares a problem
MUNITIES IS CLEAR:
against the attacks of the nation-
wide pornography syndicates.
common to many other com-
Prohibitions against X-rated or
munities these days - how to
R-rated showings are not enough.
This was no small victory. They
regulate cable television.
The movie ratings are made by a
had a lot to lose and we con-
When the cable company signed its
handful of people over whom none
gratulate Fort Wayne on a suc-
cessful "day in court".
franchise agreement, the city
of us has control. Nor are they
fathers inserted a prohibition
responsible to anyone that matters.
Citizens Press for
against X-rated materials. What the
And their tastes probably do not
city fathers did not anticipate was
reflect the tastes of most com-
Cable Porn Law
how easily the pornographers can
munities throughout this nation.
get around such a provision. They
THE ONLY DEFENSE IS AN EX-
oncerned about por-
do it by getting the ratings changed
PLICIT PROHIBITION AGAINST
C
nographic movies and sex
from "X" to "R" even though
"INDECENT" MATERIAL (explicit
shows on cable TV, citizens
the content of the movie remains
sex or nudity which is patently of-
of Escondido, California, testified
substantially the same. Or they do
fensive to community standards)
at a hearing held by the City Coun-
it by showing unrated movies,
-language used by the United
cil in late July. Led by the
which most pornographic movies
States Supreme Court in FCC V.
Reverend Billy Falling, a petition
are. So they simply abide by the
Pacifica, (see July-August NDR).
signed by forty-nine religious
letter of the law, even when, as in
Contact CDL for a model ordinance
leaders in that city in north San
the case of Sierra Madre, the fran-
which we believe will withstand
Diego County was presented to the
chisee Group W (Westinghouse)
Constitutional muster.
council. CDL's Ernie Schulzke
says it would like to abide by the
presented legal arguments in sup-
intent of the agreement.
port of the proposed ordinance.
The problem is that Group W gets
Unfortunately the mayor and coun-
much of. its material from sources
cil had their minds made up not to
which it claims it does not control.
approve the ordinance even before
We would hope, however, that
the hearing. The tragedy is that the
companies such as Westinghouse
U.S. Supreme Court has given the
would begin to influence the in-
communities of this nation both
dustry suppliers in a favorable
fashion.
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
CDL Chapter
tional CDL can more efficiently
serve local citizen groups, what a
Conference Manual
Update
group may consider to be the most
Available
effective anti-porn tactics, and
S you well know, the fight
whether or not a group is incor-
A
against pornography is a
porated in their state.
c
opies of the Conference
Manual are available from
never-ending battle.
This questionnaire was sent out to
CDL at a cost of $25.00 per
Soldiers in the field come and go.
anyone who has formerly been
copy. Please send check or money
We at the National CDL head-
associated with an anti-
order to:
quarters are in the process of up-
pornography group or CDL
Citizens for Decency through Law
dating our files, so that we may of-
chapter. If there is any group who
2331 W. Royal Palm Road,
fer better assistance and have more
has not received one of these ques-
Suite 105
effective communication with local
tionnaires, please send inquiries to:
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
citizen groups. It is imperative that
Citizens for Decency through Law
The manual was prepared for con-
our records contain accurate infor-
Attn: Chapter Co-ordinator
ference participants. In its prepara-
mation so that we can more
2331 W. Royal Palm Road
tion it was anticipated that
economically get the job com-
Suite #105
numerous persons who did not at-
pleted.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
tend the conference would want
Therefore, we have formulated a
It is our goal to establish an ac-
manuals. We believe that anyone
simple-to-answer questionnaire to
curate network chain of all anti-
who has an interest in the obsceni-
help us identify which groups are
pornography groups in each state,
ty battle will find the manual
currently active. Also included are
thereby providing more strength
materials helpful.
questions concerning how the Na-
and unity to local citizen groups.
NATIONAL DECENCY REPORTER
IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS CORRECT?
published at
CITIZENS FOR DECENCY THROUGH LAW, INC.
Please help CDL keep an accurate mailing file on you at all times.
2331 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Incorrect addreses and multiple mailings drain our funds un-
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
(602) 995-2600
necessarily. Please return this with your instructions. Thank you.
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc. is a non-
I'm getting duplicate mailings.
profit, inter-faith national organization working to
(Attach all addresses together with this form)
promote decency in the media and oppose the
dissemination of obscenity, within the framework of
My name is spelled incorrectly.
the law. It has affiliates in numerous states, and is
(Attach old and new spelling with this form)
qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions
under IRC 501 (c) (3).
My address in incorrect.
Gifts to the organization are encouraged, including
(Attach old and new address to this form)
bequests in Wills and in Trusts.
I'm moving or changing my name.
Founder: Charles H Keating, Jr.
(Please attach old and new address or name with this form)
Published 6 times yearly, in alternate months by
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
PLEASE RETURN TO: CDL, 2331 West Royal Palm Rd. #105
Subscription $10.00 per year
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Third Class Postage
Attention: Computer Entry Dept.
Paid at
Phoenix, Arizona
To Every Friend of CDL:
Your NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER needs your support.
YES
Count me in. 1 want to see NDR go on fighting. Enclosed
As you can imagine, publishing
please find $10 for one year's subscription to The National Decency
the hardest-hitting, most reliable
Reporter for:
source of information on the
Name
obscenity issues in America to-
day takes money. And inflation
Organization
has added to that need until now
Address
it is a pressing one. Your check
for $10 will insure that NDR will
City
State
Zip
keep coming to you six times
each year. Why not help NDR's
Please make checks payable and return to: Citizens for Decency
editors and staff keep up the
Through Law, Inc., 2331 West Royal Palm Road, #105, Phoenix,
good fight.
Arizona 85021.
An introduction to the work of
Citizens for Decency
through Law
Questions and anwers concerning CDL and its efforts to free
America from the grip of the commercial pornographers.
1. What is Citizens for Decency
2. Why is there a need for such
through Law?
an organization?
CDL is a public, non-profit, non-
Pornography is big business. It is
denominational group which was
enormously big business, with
established in 1957 by Charles H
enormous profits. The por-
Keating, Jr. to seek strict enforce-
nographers have long been willing
ment of the existing obscenity
to purvey their illegal "trade" and
laws. Then known as Citizens for
take their chances on being
Decent Literature, the organiza-
caught. They have built legal
tion has worked untiringly to seek
defense funds amounting to
the arrest and prosecution of
millions of dollars with which they
those who violate the nation's
hire full-time legal experts to de-
obscenity laws for their personal
fend them in long, drawn-out
"The hottest places in hell
profit. CDL is the most nationally-
court battles. Some pursue their
effective organization standing in
fight clear to the United States
are reserved for those who,
the way of the flood-tide of filth
Supreme Court, because they
which the smut merchants have
have been able to continue
unleashed on this country, its
operating, and profiting, all during
in a time of great moral crisis,
citizens, and its children.
the time when their cases are on
appeal. Such appeals may take
maintain their neutrality."
years. Some have avoided convic-
tion at the trial court level by
matching their batteries of highly-
-Dante
paid, expert attorneys against the
undermanned and inexperienced
staff of the local prosecutor. These
prosecutors and their assistants
cannot be expected to know all of
the intricacies of the obscenity
law, and they are not infrequently
3. Who are these legal experts
4. How can a central group of
made the details of this technique
defeated in court battles by
on CDL staff?
legal experts work with
available to all the country's pro-
veteran defense attorneys hired by
CDL's legal staff is made up of
thousands of prosecutors?
secutors and district attorneys.
the pornographer's legal defense
lawyers and former prosecutors
In addition to direct, personal
The procedure involves the use of
fund.
with vast experience in obscenity
assistance in certain important
a synchronized high-speed camera
CDL provides experienced at-
cases and First Ammendment law.
cases, the CDL legal staff regularly
and sound-recording device which
torneys to assist these local pro-
The attorneys affiliated with CDL
prepares and mails comprehensive
produces evidence which is ad-
secutors. The CDL legal group
have held such positions as head
analyses of current developments
missible in court, and which
helps the prosecutors to gather
of the Obscenity Prosecutions Unit
in obscenity law to the nation's
prevents the theatre operator from
evidence and to prepare their
of the L.A. District Attorney's Of-
prosecutors. They also send out
"losing" the film or otherwise
cases, and our representatives
fice; Special Prosecutor for
current legal briefs prepared by
disposing of it before his court ap-
may even appear in court on the
Obscenity Cases for the City of
the staff, as well as suggestions on
pearance. Full photographic
side of the prosecutor and his
Cleveland; Assistant United States
preparing and pursuing effective
evidence of these pornographic
staff. The CDL staff is well-
Attorneys; Professors of Law;
prosecutions. In addition, the legal
films are reproduced in the briefs
prepared to carry the fight with
Counsel to the Legislature; and
staff originates new legal ap-
which CDL prepares for the United
the smut merchants into the
senior partners of private law
proaches to the problem of
States Supreme Court, to rebut
chambers of the United States
firms. Our attorneys are recognized
obscenity, and brings actions on
any possible contention that the
Supreme Court, and has done so
as being among the foremost
behalf of CDL in order to test and
films in question have any
on numerous occasions.
authorities in the country on
perfect these approaches in court.
"literary or scientific merit."
obscenity law and enforcement.
Several of these cases have
Our staff initiated and developed
already reached the Supreme
the application of nuisance abate-
Court, with important and far-
FOR
ment principles to obscene
reaching results for the forces of
materials. Amicus Curiae briefs
decency.
filed by these attorneys in support
Moreover, the CDL staff has
DECONCIA
of law enforcement are regularly
perfected a technique to preserve
accepted by the United States
evidence of the showing of
Supreme Court.
obscene motion pictures, and has
HOME
5. Give me examples of a few
regulated while gearing their
It is worthwhile to mention also
6. I've heard that obscenity
cases CDL has been involved
obscenity statutes to current
the case of Paris Adult Theatre / U.
laws are in violation of the
in.
Supreme Court requirements. The
Slayton. This was one of the five
First Ammendment.
CDL has filed over fifty briefs with
second case involved a por-
key obscenity cases decided by
In the nearly-200 years of its ex-
the Supreme Court since 1957, in-
nographic movie house which was
the Supreme Court on June 21,
istence, the United States has
volving most of the major obsceni-
charged as a public nuisance. CDL
1973. These cases are the most
never legalized pornography.
ty cases, including the 1973 land-
attorneys developed and cham-
important ever handed down by
Every decision of the United
mark cases and the recent cases
pioned the public nuisance ap-
the Court in the area of obscenity
States Supreme Court, from its in-
of Larry Flynt U. Ohio (1981
proach, which permits a judge to
and have cleared the way for
ception to the present, has said
Hustler magazine case) and New
close down the offending movie or
vigorous local prosecutions of the
that pornography is outside of the
York v. Ferber (1982 child porn
theatre or "adult" bookstore, and
smut merchants. CDL submitted
protection of the First Ammend-
case). These cases are part of a
to provide for a confiscation of the
an amicus curiae brief in support
ment. In short, the First Ammend-
tradition of CDL support for law
illegal profits. This would be far
of the winning side in the Paris
ment does not apply to obscenity.
enforcement. CDL pioneered
more effective than the fines or
Adult Theatre case - the culmina-
Those who claim First Ammend-
direct legal assistance by aiding
suspended jail sentences which
tion of nearly sixteen-years of ef-
ment immunity for their
local prosecutors in pending
often accompany convictions
fort at the Supreme Court level for
degenerate wares are merely at-
obscenity prosecutions and with
under criminal obscenity statutes.
our legal staff. One defense at-
tempting to confuse the general
civil suits filed by Charles Keating
CDL helped the prosecutor to
torney was quoted as saying that
public.
and CDL attorneys against the
assemble and prosecute this key
the Supreme Court's decision
pornographers themselves. Two of
case, which presented the United
directly reflected the position
the most important were Ohio, ex
States Supreme Court with an op-
espoused in CDL's brief.
rel. Keating D. Vixen and Huffman
portunity to rule favorably on the
U. Pursue, Ltd. The Vixen case
use of public nuisance-obscenity
helped establish the constitu-
statutes throughout America.
tionality of Ohio's obscenity laws,
and provided states with clear
limits on what conduct could be
Citizens for Decency through Law
7. But surely I have a right to
8. Are you opposed to sex
9. Do you have "lists" of por-
10. Is CDL involved only in the
read whatever I like - even if
education?
nographic books and movies.?
legal area?
it's filth.
No, although we believe that such
We are not a censorship organiza-
CDL has two objectives: to inform
The Supreme Court has held that
an important segment of human
tion. We do not attempt to deter-
the public, and to demand en-
no one can be prosecuted just for
knowledge must be provided to
mine whether material is por-
forcement of the law. In pursuing
processing obscene books or films
our young people by those who
nographic. We do not hold
the first objective, we regularly
in his own home. However, no one
love, understand, and respect the
ourselves out as movie critics. We
publish the National Decency
has the right to transport, mail,
beauty of sex and the
do not seek to impose our moral
Reporter which is distributed six
sell, or import obscenity. State
wholesomeness of the sexual act
standards on others. We seek only
times a year. The Reporter pro-
and federal laws proscribe the
when performed as an act of love.
the strict enforcement of existing
vides our supporters with an over-
commercial exhibition, sale,
The pornographers "teach" rape,
obscenity laws under the
view of the pornography problem
broadcasting, and distribution of
sodomy, perversion, bestiality, tor-
guidelines established by the
nationally, and of CDL's efforts to
obscenity. They are directed at
ture, sadism, homosexuality, and
United States Supreme Court.
combat it.
those who seek to profit by
sexual attacks on children. These
Determinations of obscenity under
pandering to the base interest of
constitute the usual and unvarying
the law are reserved to juries and
people and, in particular, to the
fare of pornographic books and
judges. We are content to have
natural inquisitiveness of youth.
movies. They are, in themselves, a
these impartial bodies decide the
FOR
All law abiding citizens must obey
complete perversion of sex and a
issue of obscenity, as they decide
and support these statutes and if
vicious attack on womanhood and
every other legal issue which
that means foregoing the right to
manhood.
arises under our nation of laws.
have hard-core pornography, for
the good of our children and
neighbors, then we must do all
DECENCY
we can to assist in carrying out
those laws.
It also regularly includes informa-
11. Who is Charles H Keating,
majority recommendation by a
12. Does CDL need funds
and
tion to enable local groups to take
Jr.?
vote of 60-5.
if so, what for?
effective steps to combat por-
Keating is the founder and guiding
Mr. Keating has never accepted
Yes, we need and accept financial
nography in their own community.
spirit of the CDL organization. He
any compensation for his work on
support from concerned citizens.
CDL also provides speakers to
is the father of six children, a suc-
behalf of CDL, in fact contributes
CDL receives some major support
interested organizations and is fre-
cessful attorney, an prominent
regularly and heavily from his per-
from a few foundations, coΓpoΓa-
quently represented on panels at
Phoenix businessman, and the
sonal funds to support the work of
tions, and benefactors. However,
leading universities, as well as talk
recipient of numerous awards for
the organization.
the sustaining bulk of our funds
shows, both local and national.
his humanitarian work in the pur-
comes from the individual con-
The work of the organization is
suit of the cause of decency. He
tributions of thousands of people
also featured in many national
was a member of the President's
from across the nation. The ex-
publications including feature ar-
Commission on Obscenity and
penses of running an office,
ticles in the Reader's Digest. One
Pornography and the author of a
employing competent lawyers and
prominent CDL local unit has
strong dissent to the recommen-
staff personnel, paying travel ex-
sponsored a Paperback
dations of the Commission. Mr.
penses, and preparing materials
Bookmobile, which visits the local
Keating's position was adopted by
and briefs for distribution are
schools on a regular basis and en-
the President and by the United
significant and amount to hun-
courages good reading habits
States Senate, which rejected the
dreds of thousands of dollars
among the children by making
every year. Without these
available inexpensive paperback
dedicated persons and the ex-
classics and other books geared to
penses needed to make their work
their ages and interests.
available to law enforcement and
local communities in every state,
CDL will not be able to effectively
counter the organized por-
nography syndicates supplying
hard-core pornography to the hun-
dreds of "adult" bookstores and
Citizens for Decency through Law
theatres in every state of the
Union.
13. Are contributions to CDL
14. What active part can I take
munity to express your concern
tax-deductible?
in combating pornography In
for the situation. Take time to find
Yes, contributions to Citizens for
my community?
out what is playing at your neigh-
Decency through Law are tax-
Write to CDL, 2331 West Royal
borhood theatres - what is being
deductible as a charitable gift.
Palm Road, Suite 105, Phoenix,
sold in your local newsstands and
CDL has been classified as a Sec-
Arizona 85021. Ask us for our in-
drugstores. Talk to your friends,
tion 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt
formation package on How To
talk to the merchants, take a
organization under the Internal
Start An Anti-Pornography Drive
stand on behalf of decency.
Revenue Code.
In Your Community. It contains
Remember the words of Dante:
the information needed to
establish an effective chapter of
"The hottest places in hell are
CDL, and to GET RESULTS.
reserved for those who, in a
If you do not feel that you have
time of great moral crisis,
the current capacity for organizing
maintain their neutrality."
a chapter, then take the time to
write your local prosecutor, to the
local newspaper, and to the judges
and police officials in your com-
JULUX
Officers
Gary W. Hall, M.D.
President
Citizens for Decency
Carol A. Clancy
Vice President -
National Director
through Law, Inc.
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President .
General Counsel
2331 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Mary Lou Miller, C.P.A.
Treasurer - Controller
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Terese M. LoPresti
602/995-2600
Secretary
Charles H Keating, Jr., founder
of Citizens for Decency through
Law, descends the steps of the
United States Supreme Court
after the Court's landmark
anti-obscenity decisions on
June 21, 1973.
CHHI-CITIZENS FOR
d
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
2331 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602/995-2600
November 30, 1982
Founder
Charles H Keating, Jr.
The Honorable Morton Blackwell
Board of Trustees
Special Assistant to the President
Richard M. Bertsch
for Public Liaison
Attorney at Law
The White House
Cleveland, Ohio
Washington, D.C. 20500
Thomas J. Blee
Attorney at Law
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Dear Mr. Blackwell:
Robert J. Kielty
Attorney at Law
I am enclosing to you our letter to President Reagan and the
Phoenix, Arizona
second installment of petitions concerning federal enforcement. I
Donald E. Santarelli
am also enclosing a copy of my letters of transmittal to the
Attorney at Law
President along with the Attorney General's letter of October 4th
Washington, D.C.
for your files. We still have a big job in urging the federal
Officers
authorities and the Department of Justice to increase enforcement
Gary W. Hall, M.D.
against the pornography industry.
President
Carol A. Clancy
I wish to thank you for kind assistance in this regard, and
Vice President
please let us know if there is anything further we can do to assist
National Director
you in your work.
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President
General Counsel
Very truly yours,
Mary Lou Miller, C.P.A.
Treasurer - Controller
Bruce Taylor
Terese M. LoPresti
Secretary
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President-General Counsel
Mall Manager
William J. Melnikas
BAT:tml
Enclosures
HONORARY COMMITTEE
UNITED STATES SENATORS
GOVERNORS
Hon. James Abdnor, South Dakota
Hon. Paula Hawkins, Florida
Hon. Richardo J. Bordallo, Guam
Hon. AI D'Amato, New York
Hon. Samuel I. Hayakawa, California
Hon. Ed Herschler, Wyoming
Hon. Dennis DeConcini, Arizona
Hon. Jesse Helms, North Carolina
Hon. Edward J. King, Massachusetts
Hon. Jeremiah Denton, Alabama
Hon. Gordon Humphrey, New Hampshire
Hon. Albert Quie, Minnesota
Hon. Peter V. Domenici, New Mexico
Hon. Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii
Hon. Richard Riley, South Carolina
Hon. J. James Exon, Nebraska
Hon. J. Bennett Johnson, Louisiana
Hon. Charles Thone, Nebraska
Hon. Jake Garn, Utah
Hon. James A. McClure, Idaho
Hon. David Treen, Louisiana
Hon. John Glenn, Ohio
Hon. John Melcher, Montana
Hon. Barry Goldwater, Arizona
Hon. Larry Pressler, South Dakota
Hon. Charles Grassley, lowa
Hon. Ted Stevens, Alaska
Hon. Orrin G. Hatch, Utah
Hon. Strom Thurmond, South Carolina
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Hon. Don Albosta, Michigan
Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman, New York
Hon. Joseph G. Minish, New Jersey
Hon. Frank Annunzio, Illinois
Hon. Newt Gingrich, Georgia
Hon. Donald J. Mitchell, New York
Hon. Douglas Applegate, Ohio
Hon. William F. Goodling, Pennsylvania
Hon. Robert H. Mollohan, West Virginia
Hon. John M. Ashbrook, Ohio
Hon. Tennyson Guyer, Ohio
Hon. G.V. Montgomery, Mississippi
Hon. Eugene V. Atkinson, Pennsylvania
Hon. Tom Hagedorn, Minnesota
Hon. Carlos J. Moorhead, California
Hon. Les AuCoin, Oregon
Hon. Ralph Hall, Texas
Hon. Ronald M. Mottl, Ohio
Hon. Robert E. Badham, California
Hon. Sam B. Hall, Jr., Texas
Hon. Austin J. Murphy, Pennsylvania
Hon. L.A. Bafalis, Florida
Hon. John Paul Hammerschmidt, Arkansas
Hon. John T. Myers, Indiana
Hon. Don Bailey. Pennsylvania
Hon. Kent Hance, Texas
Hon. John Napier, South Carolina
Hon. Wendell Bailey. Missouri
Hon. James V: Hansen, Utah
Hon. Bill Nichols, Alabama
Hon. Doug Barnard, Georgia
Hon. George Hansen, Idaho
Hon. Mary Rose Oakar, Ohio
Hon. Cleve Benedict, West Virginia
Hon. Margaret M. Heckler, Massachusetts
Hon. George M. O'Brien, Illinois
Hon. Mario Biaggi, New York
Hon. W. G. Hefner, North Carolina
Hon. Stan Parris, Virginia
Hon. Lindy Boggs, Louisiana
Hon. John Hiler, Indiana
Hon. Charles Pashayan, Jr., California
Hon. Edward P. Boland, Massachusetts
Hon. Elwood H. Hillis, Indiana
Hon. Thomas Petri. Wisconsin
Hon. David Bowen, Mississippi
Hon. Harold C. Hollenbeck, New Jersey
Hon. Ralph S. Regula, Ohio
Hon. Jack Brinkley. Georgia
Hon. Marjorie S. Holt, Maryland
Hon. John J. Rhodes, Arizona
Hon. William S. Broomfield. Michigan
Hon. Larry J. Hopkins, Kentucky
Hon. Matthew J. Rinaldo, New Jersey
Hon. Clair W. Burgener, California
Hon. James J. Howard, New Jersey
Hon. Donald Ritter. Pennsylvania
Hon. Caldwell Butler, Virginia
Hon. Carroll Hubbard, Kentucky
Hon. J. Kenneth Robinson, Virginia
Hon. Carroll Campbell, Jr., South Carolina
Hon. Bill Hughes, New Jersey
Hon. John H. Rousselot. California
Hon. Gregory Carman, New York
Hon. Earl D. Hutto, Florida
Hon. Eldon Rudd, Arizona
Hon. William Carney. New York
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Hon. Richard T. Schulze. Pennsylvania
Hon. Bill Chappel. Jr., Florida
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Hon. Richard C. Shelby, Alabama
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Hon. Norman D. Shumway. California
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Hon. Bud Shuster. Pennsylvania
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Hon. M.G. Snyder, Kentucky
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Hon. J. William Stanton, Ohio
Hon. William E. Dannemeyer, California
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Hon. William L. Dickinson, Alabama
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Hon. Arlen Erdahl. Minnesota
Hon. Daniel E. Lungren, California
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Hon. Lyle Williams, Ohio
Hon. Geraldine A. Ferraro. New York
Hon. Raymond McGrath, New York
Hon. Larry Winn, Jr., Kansas
Hon. Paul Findley, Illinois
Hon. Edward R. Madigan. Illinois
Hon. Antonio Borja Won Pat. Guam
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Jr.. New York
Hon. Dan Marriott, Utah
Hon. George Wortley, New York
Hon. Floyd J. Fithian, Indiana
Hon. Robert H. Michel. Illinois
Hon. Chalmers P. Wylie. Ohio
Hon. L.H. Fountain. North Carolina
Hon. Barbara Mikulski, Maryland
Hon. Bill Young, Florida
Hon. Edwin B. Forsythe. New Jersey
Hon. Clarence E. Miller. Ohio
Hon. Clement J. Zablocki. Wisconsin
Hon. Leo C. Zeferetti. New York
*
*
Melvin Anchell. M.D.
Lottie Beth Hobbs
Mrs. John G. Pew
Los Angeles, California
National President
Dallas. Texas
Pat Boone
Pro Family Forum
Most Rev. Leo A. Pursley
Beverly Hills. California
Fort Worth, Texas
Bishop of Fort Wayne
Mrs. Judie Brown
Jenkins Lloyd Jones. Editor-Publisher
South Bend. Indiana
American Life Lobby Inc.
The Tulsa Tribune
Father Bruce Ritter
Washington, D.C.
Tulsa. Oklahoma
The Covenant House
Professor Harry M. Clor
Simon L. Leis. Jr.
New York. New York
Kenyon College
Prosecuting Attorney
Professor Ernest Van Den Haag. PHD.
Gambier. Ohio
Hamilton County, Ohio
New York City, New York
Mrs. Ruth Hankins, Vice President
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Manning
Reverend Don Wildmon
Women's Bar Association
Archbishop of Los Angeles, California
Tupelo. Mississippi
Washington. D.C.
Walter S. Nosal, EdD, Director
Mrs. Betty Hanicke
Counseling Center
Director, Chairman
John Carroll University
National Affairs Congressional
Action Committee
Kansas City, Missouri
CHIPCITIZENS FOR
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
2331 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602/995-2600
November 30, 1982
Founder
Charles H Keating, Jr.
The Honorable Ronald Reagan
Board of Trustees
The White House
Richard M. Bertsch
Washington, D.C. 20500
Attorney at Law
Cleveland, Ohio
Dear President Reagan:
Thomas J. Blee
Attorney at Law
Fort Wayne, Indiana
In order to continue informing you of the concern being
expressed in having the F.B.I., Customs, and Postal Service increase
Robert J. Kielty
Attorney at Law
federal prosecutions, we are transmitting an additional 6,502
Phoenix, Arizona
signatures on our petition. These were gathered in November to
Donald E. Santarelli
accompany the 2,563 we sent you in October bringing the total to
Attorney at Law
9,065. These signatures were gathered by our supporters nationwide
Washington, D.C.
without a formal petition drive in effect. Each circulator merely
Officers
asked immediate friends and associates. It is obvious, therefore,
Gary W. Hall, M.D.
that had door-to-door and shopping center circulation been made, the
President
number of signatures would be limitless.
Carol A. Clancy
Vice President
We are pleased that the Attorney General clarified the federal
National Director
policies on obscenity prosecutions in his memorandum of October 4,
Bruce A. Taylor
1982. It is a help that local U.S. attorneys who wish to do so may
Vice President
General Counsel
bring pornography cases. However, as the F.B.I. and major city
police have stated, a consistent state and federal practice of
Mary Lou Miller, C.P.A.
Treasurer Controller
enforcement against the regular adult pornography industry is needed
Terese M. LoPresti
to achieve results against this threat of pornography, the influence
Secretary
of organized crime and the drug industry, and traffic in child
pornography.
Mail Manager
William J. Melnikas
Please don't let current events, the economy, and the media
discourage you. Your attempts have already created hope for us that
the Supreme Court and the federal government will take a stronger
turn toward law enforcement. We certainly need a change in that
direction and need your help to see it happen.
Very truly yours,
Bance Taylor
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President-General Counsel
BAT:tml
Enclosures
CDL,
426 Grand Concourse
Miami Shores, Fla 33138
Nov. 13,1982
The Non.William French Smith
Attorney General of the United States
U.S.Dept. of Justice
Washington,D.C. 20530
Attn: Ass't Attorney General Jonathan Rose
Dear Sir:
As a retired special agent of the FBI with some twenty years
investigative experience in the obscenity-pornography field, I commend
you for your forthright letter to all U.S. attorneys, dated Oct.4,1982,
in which you clarified policy and encouraged, if not ordered,prosecution
in pornography (obscenity) cases.
It has been my sad experience that since the MIPORN indictments
of February 1980, very little has been done by federal investigative
agencies or by federal prosecutors in this highly organized field of
criminal activity;ONG of the most lucrative of all underworld pursuits.
Hopefully, things will now begin to change.
I wish to advise you,however, that since I first became aware
of the publication of your letter of ctober 4, not one of the several
federal investigative officers with whom I have been in contact had
any knowledge of that letter until they were so informed by me.
It would therefore appear that it is urgently required that the heads
of the FBI,US Postal Service and US Customs instruct their people in
the various field offices as to the existence and contents of your
letter. I suspect it would be unlikely that all or even most of the
many US attorneys would make it a point to contact the responsible
investigative agencies in their areasto inform them of your letter;
thereby seeking additional presentations of obscenity violations.
Admittedly, I as yet have not contacted U.S. Attorney Stanley Marcus,
Miami, in this regard.
Only yesterday, at a MIPORN hearing in Miami, one of the
nation's leading pornography defense attorneys told me that it might
be well for him and his colleagues to move into another field of
criminal defense work, because in his opinion, within two years,
there would be no obscenity prosecutions for them to defend. That
should never be permitted to occur in this country. At present
obscenity is available widely. In same locales it is tolerated.
As a nation under God and law,we cannot allow obscenity to become
accepted.
Most sincerely,
RECEIVED
Citizens For Decency
William P.Kelly
Through Law, Inc.
FBI,retired.
Date 11/19/82 By true
Office of the Afforney General
Washington, B. C. 20530
October 4, 1982
7
MEMORANDUM
TO:
All United States Attorneys
/
FROM:
William French Smith
was
Attorney General
SUBJECT:
Enforcement of Anti-Pornocraphv Laws
(
President Reagan has recently stated his alarm and concern
over the spread of pornography, and his determination tc ensure
that WE effectively enforce the federal laws against trafficking
in pornography. Pornography is indeed a growing problem, but it
is a problem before which law enforcement officials are not
helpless, as demonstrated by the success of the Department's
MIPORN operation. Accordingly, I would like to take this
opportunity to clarify the Department's enforcement policy in
pernography cases, and to encourage their prosecution.
The U.S. Attorneys' Manual states: "Prosecutive priority
should be given to cases involving larce-scale distributors who
realize substantial income from multi-state operations and cases
in which there is evidence of involvement by known orcanized
crime figures," and [s]pecial priority should be given to cases
involving the use of minors engacing in sexually explicit conduct
S 9-75.140 (emphasis adõed). This passage also states
that prosecution of those cases not in one of the three priority
areas may nonetheless have a deterrent effect and be appropriate
when especially offensive material or numerous citizen complaints
are involved. Id.
X
The Manual also states, of course, that the "Federal role in
prosecuting obscenity cases is to focus upon the major producers
and interstate distributors of pornography while leaving to local
jurisdictions the responsibility of dealing with local exhibi-
tions and sales. $ 9-75.130: But this section goes on to
recognize that the U.S. Attorney in an area may often have
greater expertise and more money than his local counterpart, and
that "[i)n these circumstances the United States may provide
assistance through prosecutive efforts not falling precisely
within the above guidelines."
[]
Thus, where large volume dealers, organized crime, or child
pornography is involved, the U.S. Attorney should aggressively
prosecute. Even in other cases, he mav prosecute where pornog-
raphy is a significant problem in an area, and should certainly
Tena any necessary assistance where local efforts are being made.
While the impact of pornography may be primarily "local, its
successful prosecution calls increasingly for interstate efforts
and coordination which only federal officials may be able to
provide. Similarly, where the district's Law Enforcement Coor-
dinating Committee identifies pornography as an area requiring
federal support, our assistance to local enforcement efforts may
and should be provided, even if the dealers are not in the three
"priority" categories.
While pornography is not a problem that can be solved by
federal efforts alone, it is a matter of prime concern and we
must enforce viçorously the existing federal anti-pornography
laws, particularly in the priority areas discussed above and in
those communities where it has been identified as a major law
enforcement problem,
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
Published by Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
Vol. 19, No. 5
September - October 1982
Phoenix, Arizona
President Petitioned to Review Policy
on Federal Obscenity Prosecutions
Father Morton Hill, founder and
without interference by the federal
The White House
President of Morality in Media,
government. Mr. McGeady gave the
moderated the meeting and set the
figures for the number of cases
agenda for the discussions. He in-
under the federal obscenity laws in
troduced a panel of veteran profes-
recent years: In 1978, only two
sionals who have been active in
dozen convictions were obtained in
obscenity law enforcement to give
the whole country, 13 of which
their opinion to the assembled
were child porn. In 1979 and 1980,
group and Administration officials
one dozen pornographers were
on the scope of the problem and
convicted and eight child por-
some practical solutions. Dr. Victor
nographers nationwide. In 1981,
Cline, a psychologist and expert
nine child porn and nine major por-
prosecution witness, reminded all
nography defendants were con-
that pornography has pathological
victed. The porn distributors con-
formal procedure is under-
effects on its viewers and con-
victed in the last two years were
A
way to make the President
tributes to abuse and sex crimes.
basically involved in only two
aware of the lack of federal
Mr. Homer Young was one of the
cases, one in Boston and the
enforcement of the existing
FBI's top organized crime and
MIPORN cases in Miami. To say
obscenity statutes and to request
obscenity investigators for thirty
that only 32 pornographers involv-
him to direct the Department of
years and made the statement that
ed in the billion dollar national
Justice to change its restrictive
the federal agencies could break
porn market were convicted in the
policies in order to allow the 95
down the pornography syndicates
last four and half years by federal
U.S. Attorneys, the FBI, Customs,
in eighteen months with a serious
prosecutors is proof that the
and the Postal Inspectors to in-
effort. Mr. Larry Parrish, former
federal government's inaction has
vestigate and prosecute the multi-
Assistant U.S. Attorney in Mem-
given the green light to the hard-
million dollar traffic in pornography.
phis, described how the FBI un-
core obscenity industry in America.
The first step in the protocol was a
covered the national conspiracy to
The only thing that is holding the
meeting at the White House Old
make and distribute "Deep Throat"
line at all is the effort of state and
and how his office obtained federal
local authorities, where the vast
Executive Office Building on July
27, 1982. Fifty representatives of
convictions against the major
majority of obscenity prosecutions
numerous public service groups,
figures involved. His success was
are taking place.
media and religious organizations,
the biggest federal case prior to
corporations, and research and
MIPORN and shows that the legal
(continued on page 2)
battle can be won. Mr. Paul
legal foundations were invited by
Mr. Morton Blackwell, Special
McGeady, General Counsel of
Assistant to the President for
Morality in Media and a
Public Liason. Representatives of
knowledgeable expert on obscenity
the Justice Department, FBI,
cases and statutes, exposed the
Regional
Customs, the Postal Service, and
Justice Department's written policy
Obscenity
several members of the President's
of forbidding the federal agencies
and prosecutors from bringing any
Conference
staff were present.
cases unless child porn or organized
crime leaders are directly in-
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
volved. This means that hard-core
Sept. 16 and 17, 1982
pornography is being imported,
Details inside.
mailed, and shipped between states
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
CDL's General Counsel, Bruce
without a question how serious the
that their local U.S. Attorney
Taylor, presented intelligence in-
problem has become, and that he
wishes to prosecute. We need this
formation from the FBI and Justice
must direct the Department of
involvement by the federal govern-
Department's own reports, backed
Justice, the FBI, the Postal Inspec-
ment. Their strength and leader-
up by reports by the police depart-
tors, and the Customs Agents to
ship will bolster the efforts of city
ments of most of America's big
stop the importing, interstate ship-
police and prosecutors and put the
cities, that organized crime figures
ment, mailing, and broadcasting of
fear of the law back into this
are involved with the "adult" porn
hard core obscenity.
blatantly criminal industry. CDL
syndicates. It was pointed out from
The next step in the protocol pro-
will work hard to assist the govern-
experience that the change in the
cedure is for the White House staff
ment in any efforts undertaken and
problem from a few hard-core
to submit the results of this
only the best could come from
outlets in big city back alleys ten
Meeting to the President's Advisory
such a change in federal policy.
years ago to "adult" bookstores
Council on Legal Policy, which in
and theaters and live sex shows in
turn will make a recommendation
nearly every city, suburb, and town
to the President. The President will
in every state today prove the
then consider the matter and make
Petition the
result of the federal government's
a decision.
"hands off" policy. The problem is
President
now too big for local cities to con-
The decision sought by the
trol alone. The federal government
Meeting was to have the Attorney
General direct the Justice Depart-
T
he following page is a peti-
must assist in a nationwide effort
tion addressed to the Presi-
by all the law enforcement agen-
ment to allow approval of prosecu-
dent of the United States.
cies to stop this powerful porn in-
tions by the U.S. Attorneys and
Strike Forces on violations of all
The petition reflects the Statement
dustry and prevent the further
of the Meeting in Washington, D.C.
growth of porn, prostitution, drugs,
federal obscenity statutes. Restrict-
loansharking, bribery, and violence
ing approval only to child porn,
We are asking our subscribers to
organized crime or major
remove or copy the petition and
which has resulted from this situa-
distributors leaves thousands of
circulate it in your community. It
tion.
violations of the mails, customs,
would be important to obtain the
Distinguished representatives next
and ITOM (Interstate Transporta-
signatures from your community
were called upon to state the con-
tion of Obscene Material) statutes.
leaders; Mayor and council, law en-
cerns of their organizations, con-
It is hoped that U.S. Attorneys who
forcement personnel, civic leaders,
gregations, constituents, and sup-
wish to proceed against local por-
church leaders and members, the
porters over the explosion of por-
nographers and distributors, or in-
business community, and your
nography and the need for decisive
dividual schemes involving hard-
neighbors.
action.
core pornography or particularly
After you have obtained all the
offensive materials, would deter
Representing the Justice Depart-
signatures you can, send it back to
violations by the vast number of
us and we will forward the petitions
ment, Mr. Jonathan Rose, Assistant
Attorney General, promised that
less powerful pornographers and
to President Reagan.
their associates and conspirators.
the message of the meeting would
be taken back to the Honorable
A change in the policy to subject
William French Smith, United
all pornographers to possible ac-
tions would remove the ability and
States Attorney General, and fur-
ther promised that the policies of
willingness of pornographers to
make, distribute, and show hard-
the Justice Department relating to
core materials without fear of pro-
Send completed petitions to:
obscenity cases would be reviewed.
secution anywhere in the country
Citizens for Decency through Law
In order to support the good inten-
as long as they don't get caught
2331 W. Royal Palm Road
tions of the present Justice Depart-
with "kiddie" porn. The change in
Suite #105
ment, the participants made a mo-
policy would be its own deterrent
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
tion that a meeting with President
and would free the hands of those
Attn: Petitions
Reagan and Attorney General
agents, inspectors, and in-
Smith be arranged. A resolution
vestigators who uncover violations
was made to take the concerns of
the members, and a Statement
signed by all present, directly to
the President so he will know
Petition to the Honorable Ronald Reagan,
President of the United States
WHEREAS, the proliferation of obscenity in the United States has reached a level of national concern and is
directly affecting the quality of life, the moral fabric of the country, and the right and obligation of the govern-
ment to maintain a decent society, and
WHEREAS, it has become increasingly apparent that enforcement of existing federal obscenity laws during the
previous years has been wholly inadequate, and
WHEREAS, federal law enforcement with respect to such laws must be made more aggressive and effective,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President of the United States be requested to publicly indicate
that prosecution of the federal laws relating to the Mailing, Importing, Broadcasting and Interstate Transportation
of Obscenity is to him a matter of utmost importance, and to direct the Attorney General to issue instructions to
the Federal Bureau of Investigation and all United States Attorneys to make this matter of prime concern.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that such instructions authorize and encourage all United States Attorneys to institute
criminal proceedings of violations of such laws brought to their attention by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
the United States Postal Service and United States Customs.
NAME
ADDRESS
(Detach here)
(If you need more petitions, Xerox copies are acceptable.)
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
AFAA Targets
Variety also exposed the porn syn-
There are many pornographic
dicates' efforts to capture a
magazines which describe how the
CDL
"broadening market base in
act is to be performed. However,
homevideo and cable TV" with a
pornographers don't mention that
DL was described as a
"higher grade" soft-porn product.
only 4.4 pounds of pressure on the
C
serious threat to the porn in-
The AFAA also announced plans
carotid artery for 8 seconds will
dustry at the annual conven-
for an "attorneys hotline", and a
cause a person to involuntarily sub-
tion of the Adult Film Association
"War Chest" to oppose CDL and
mit to unconsciousness. Once un-
of America in New York. The
support political candidates and
conscious, the person can't stand
AFAA is made up of the nation's
legislation in favor of legitimizing
up, and will die unless someone
hard and soft core pornography
pornography. It was obvious that
releases the pressure immediately.
producers - the porn industry's at-
the AFAA did not appreciate the
tempt to act criminally but look
works of CDL, as stated in the arti-
Robert Davis, a 13-year-old youth
legitimate. Two articles exposed
cle:
from upstate New York, died last
month. His body was found hang-
the platform and concerns of the
"Five years ago, you could
ing from a tree in a wooded area
convention and show the brazen
still depend on the ig-
near his home. According to
confidence with which the por-
norance and inexperience
newspaper accounts, the local
nographers conspire to violate
of local prosecutors to win
sheriff stated that the boy died ex-
federal, state, and local obscenity
you cases," attorney Robert
perimenting with bondage posi-
laws.
Smith told a lunchtime
tions which were dipicted in Pent-
Michael Gallagher of the U.S.
legal seminar, arguing that
house, Hustler and Playboy. The
Catholic Conference Department of
privately financed computer
sheriff stated that several of these
Communication wrote an article for
banks and traveling bat-
magazines were strewn around the
The Tidings paper in Los Angeles
teries of attorneys from the
body.
entitled, "Adult" Films Going
moral watchdog group
Two other youths, one 13 and one
Straight Into Homes via Cable" on
Citizens for Decency
12, died in the same manner and in
May 21, 1982, in which he stated:
through Law have reversed
the same general location within
THE FIVE-MEMBER AFAA
that situation in a big way.
the last six months. We know of
Hence, the move to form an
Legal Advisory Board,
similar deaths in Michigan, Califor-
which includes "some of
organized lobbying and
nia, and other places.
the foremost First
legal info body, which in a
sense would become the
What a waste. What would have
Ammendment attorneys na-
adult film biz's battling
happened had those "magazines"
tionwide" (names available
on request), took up the
counterpart to the CDL.
not been available? Is the money
and wealth gained from the sale of
problems of film piracy
Let's hope we can continue to have
such filth worth the lives of these
-they're going to set up a
this effect on the porn producers
children and the many others we
piracy hotline and the
and their traveling group of
never hear about?
even more vexing problem
defense lawyers. However, we now
of doing battle with the
know it's going to be serious
Supreme Court
Citizens for Decency
business and the enemy has ar-
through Law, who seem to
mored itself for major offensives.
Upholds Child
have no respect for the
right of these honest
Porn Laws
tradesmen to earn a decent
living through the distribu-
Pornography Kills
I
n its most important deci-
tion of their wares.
sion for children in its
t is called "autoerotic
The entertainment industry trade
I
history, the U.S. Supreme
asphyxia". The Coroner of
paper, Variety, ran a story on
Court upheld the New York child
the State of New York says
March 10, 1982, entitled "Adult Pix
porn statute. On July 2nd, the
that deaths attributed to it are in-
Eye Cable Boom, Legal Gloom,"
Court decided New York v. Ferber,
creasing.
which quoted several of the
and held that the law could pro-
AFAA's lawyers who were com-
What is it? It is an accidental
hibit the distribution of films and
plaining of the increasing numbers
death, not suicide. It is a type of
photographs of minors engaging in
masochism where masturbation is
sexual conduct or lewd exhibition
of zoning and public nuisance laws,
and the success of prosecutions in
practiced while hanging oneself
of the genitals. This was a major
eliminating porn books and movies
"almost" to the point of blackout.
departure from "adult" por-
from Atlanta and Jacksonville.
nography cases in that the Court
said such depictions of child sex
did not have to be proven legally
obscene under its three-part "Miller
Test".
The briefs filed with the Court were
most knowledgeable officers in the
The Crime Commission is made up
exceptional. The Court accepted
country on organized crime's in-
of State Senators Marino, Berns-
the positions of the N.Y. District
volvement with pornography pro-
tein, Johnson, and Babbush.
Attorney and Father Ritter's Cove-
duction and distribution and coor-
Jeremiah McKenna is the Commit-
nant House that only the strongest
dinates a nationwide clearinghouse
tee's General Counsel. This Com-
deterrent possible can help stop
of intellegence information for the
mittee is probably the foremost in-
the devastating psychological and
police departments of most of
vestigative crime commission in
physical results on the children,
America's metropolitan cities.
the country and has become a
and the legal argument of Charles
CDL's Bruce Taylor also testified
preeminent source of information
Keating and CDL that child porn is
on the involvement of organized
on criminal conduct, reform of
so vile that is is "obscene per se"
crime and on the structure and
criminal laws, and on organized
and utterly without First Ammend-
inter-connections within the nation-
crime and foreign influences.
ment protection.
wide pornography syndicates.
Laws banning outright all por-
Taylor also presented specific pro-
nographic photos of children exist
posals for strengthening New
Regional
in 19 states besides New York. The
York's obscenity and child porn
federal statutes and many other
statutes and gave advice on pro-
Obscenity
states ban only "obscene" child
secution tactics for controlling the
Conference to be
pornography. These laws should be
porn and child abuse problem. It is
changed to adopt the New York
Taylor's opinion that to effectively
model and also provide a separate
deter the use of children, law en-
held in Pittsburgh
and higher felony penalty where
forcement must continue to pro-
the child porn is also "obscene".
secute the "adult" porn figures and
The Court's opinion identifies the
prostitution at all levels. Only
O
n September 16th and 17th,
a Regional Obscenity Con-
through concentrated state and
ference is being held in Pitts-
laws of all the states and is publish-
ed in Volume 50 of U.S. Law Week,
federal enforcement can the flow of
burgh, Pennsylvania. The Con-
page 5077, available in most
funds and market for new "talent"
ference is being sponsored by the
libraries and law libraries or CDL
be prevented from spilling from
Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation
and the Pennsylvania Coalition
will gladly supply a copy on re-
narcotics, gambling, bribery, pro-
quest.
stitution, and pornography onto
Against Pornography. CDL's legal
child porn and child slavery and
counsel Faye Gardner has been
CDL Testifies
prostitution.
working closely with the sponsor
leaders to help make the Con-
Before New York
An undercover investigator also
ference the most informative event
told how Mafia-run call-boy ser-
for community and governmental
Crime Commission
vices in New York and D.C. have
leaders since the National Con-
sold information on political and
ference in Phoenix, Arizona, last
he New York Select Commit-
business "clients" to foreign in-
year.
T
tee on Crime heard
telligence agencies, including the
Soviets. The Committee also heard
On Thursday evening, September
testimony July 26 and 27th
from the New York City Police,
16th, Father Bruce Ritter, the
from law enforcement officers into
U.S. Customs, and prosecutors
Director of Covenant House in New
the problems and solutions
from local county and city offices
York City, is scheduled to give a
associated with child pornography
on the investigative and judicial
major address to the Conference.
and sexual exploitation, with em-
problems in enforcing the existing
Covenant house is a licensed, non-
phasis on organized crime and on
statutes. Also testifying were Sgt.
profit child care agency which
the growing use of young boys in
Tom Rogers of the Indianapolis
specializes in helping the sexually
prostitution and pornography.
Police Department, a recognized
abused teenage runaways who have
The witness list is an impressive ar-
expert on the nationwide problems
been exploited by New York City's
ray of seasoned veterans with first
of child pornography and child
sex industry and was instrumental
hand knowledge of these
prostitution, and from Dr. Samuel
in the landmark decision by the
monstrous problems. Testifying on
Janus, a psychotherapist with ex-
United States Supreme Court in
the influence of organized crime
perience and knowledge on child
the child pornography case against
and Mafia figures on the porn and
sexual abuse and author of The
Ira Ferber in New York.
sex industries were Det. Carl Shof-
Death of Innocence.
fler and Det. Anne Fisher of the
Organized Crime Branch of the
Metropolitan Police of Washington,
D.C.. Det. Shoffler is one of the
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
On Friday, September 17th,
public Nuisance ordinance against
the past two years. Deputy Pro-
workshops will be conducted in the
pornography outlets. Mrs.
secutor Mark Chambers and CDL's
morning, the afternoon, and for
Gardner's speech included informa-
Bruce Taylor were opposed by
those unable to attend the day ses-
tion on the conrol by organized
Baltimore defense lawyer Burton
sions, an evening session. The
crime of the pornography industry
Sandler, his assistants, and a local
numerous workshop topics are
nationwide and the importance of
Fort Wayne defense attorney.
separately directed toward citizens,
taking action in Pennsylvania to
(Previous trials were defended by
law enforcement officials, and
combat the sexual victimization
the office of Atlanta porn attorney
legislators. The faculty will include
that is pornography.
Robert Eugene Smith who is an ad-
such nationally recognized experts
Present at a meeting on June 18th
visor to the Adult Film Association
as David H. Bludworth, State At-
were prominent businessmen from
and an active lawyer for the porn
torney of Florida, who successfully
major corporations headquartered
industry nationwide.)
used the Florida RICO statute
in Pittsburgh, and public officials
against the organized criminal ac-
such as prosecutors and
Crucial to the defense was the re-
tivity of the pornographers; George
legislators. They heard speeches by
quest by Mr. Sandler to have the
Weaver, Assistant Solicitor General
Mr. Fein, Mrs. Gardner, and Donald
film judged by the standards of the
of Atlanta, Georgia, who assisted in
Lewis, the District Attorney fro
homosexual community, rather
prosecuting and closing all the
Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
than the adult community as a
Atlanta pornography outlets, and
Mr. Lewis talked about his suc-
whole. Veteran Judge Robert
Dr. Blaine McLaughlin, Senior
cessful efforts in prosecuting the
Meyers rejected this request and
Psychiatrist of The Psychiatric In-
pornographers in Crawford County.
had the jurors apply the standards
stitute of Fort Worth, Texas, who is
The meeting attendees, with sug-
of Allen County's whole popula-
an authority on the harmful effects
gestions from the speakers,
tion. The jury could understand
of pornography.
discussed what their role should be
their own community standards
The Conference fee is only $15.00
in assisting their local law enforce-
and said the hard-core sodomy film
for both day sessions. The evening
ment agencies.
was obscene under Indiana law.
session fee is only $5.00.
CDL applauds these public spirited
The "battle of experts" was an im-
If you would like more information
individuals for their sense of com-
portant part of the defense
about attending the Conference,
munity and their efforts to work
strategy, but advance preparation
please call the Pittsburgh Leader-
together in combating the harms
by the prosecutors prevented the
ship Foundation at (412) 281-3752
flowing from the pornography in-
impact the pornographers hoped
or write the Pennsylvania Coalition
dustry.
for. Three self-proclaimed "sex-
Against Pornography, P.O. Box
ologists" from San Francisco,
14510, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Fort Wayne Wins
Theodore Mcllvenna, Wardell
15234.
Pomeroy, and Loretta Haroian,
Hope to see you there.
Major Trial
tried to convince the jury that por-
nographic films are normal and
Pre-Conference
I
n what is becoming a major
contribute to healthy sexual at-
defensive tactic of the porn
titudes, even in homosexuals. At
Activities in
industry, Fort Wayne, In-
their own Institute for the Advanced
diana, was the site of a recent
Study of Human Sexuality, these
Pittsburgh
obscenity trial where experienced
three people view, make, and store
attorneys from other states and
hundreds of hard-core porn films
hired "sexologists" tried to over-
and books and grant themselves
I
n June, the Pittsburgh Press
Club was the site of two im-
whelm local communities and
and others their degree" of "Doc-
portant meetings to lay the
frustrate law enforcement. The ef-
tor of Sexology". The Hedonistic
foundation for the September
fort failed for the pornographers on
philosophy these people gave to
Regional Obscenity Conference. On
July 15th when the jury returned a
the jury was admirably rebutted by
June 17th, religious leaders from
Verdict of Guilty of distributing an
Dr. James Spink, a psychologist
throughout Western Pennsylvania
obscene film, "Cruising". The two
with the Family Counseling Clinic
met to hear Marvin Fein, Assistant
day trial involving the male
who was called by the prosecutors
City Solicitor of Pittsburgh, and
homosexual film sold to an under-
to testify. This was his first
CDL's legal counsel Faye Gardner
cover police officer was an expen-
obscenity trial and his testimony
to discuss what they could do to
sive and desperate attempt to
was unknown to the State as well
support the September Conference
reverse the series of convictions
as the defense.
and the fight against sexual ex-
gathered in the County Court over
ploitation. Mr. Fein spoke about
his successes using Pittsburgh's
However, trusting in the decency
the right and the language with
Enter David Rickard and Fay
and common sense of a dedicated
which to regulate "indecent" and
Angus, concerned citizens of Sierra
professional with academic creden-
"patently offensive" programming.
Madre. They set up a hearing
tials of the highest level from some
By ignoring this fact, the Escon-
before the city council which took
of the best universities in America
dido city council opened wide the
place July 27th. Rickard and Mrs.
and abroad proved to be the bomb-
door to the pornographers.
Angus testified, as did CDL's Jim
shell that destroyed the enemy. Dr.
But the Reverend Falling was in
Clancy and Ernie Schulzke. The
Spink refuted the anything-goes
good spirits. With characteristic
council listened attentively and
evidence of the porn-biased sex-
vigor, he declared that the battle
politely. Media coverage was in-
ologists and told the jury the truth:
has just begun.
tense. KABC-TV, the leading news
that porn does appeal to a prurient
interest and is harmful to stable
We at CDL wish the citizens of
station in the Los Angeles area
sexual and family relationships. He
Escondido every success, and
gave an extensive and favorable
stand ready to assist. After all, the
report. A KABC-TV commentator
stressed respect for people as
human beings, rather than as
city belongs to the people - not
accurately voiced the concerns of
the council.
the citizens of Sierra Madre, and
pieces of meat, and the jury ob-
the challenge to its city council.
viously agreed with him.
CDL Represented
This hearing was a preliminary step
This trial proves the need and
to express concern. No action was
worth of CDL's experience and
assistance. The familiarity of our
at Sierra Madre
anticipated. Nor was any taken.
Further meetings with City Council
lawyers with the defense tactics of
these travelling defense attorneys
Cable Hearings
members are planned. David
Rickard and Fay Angus and other
and of the bias and proclivities of
their favorite "expert" witnesses
ierra Madre is a tiny com-
citizens of that fine community are
proved to be a key in insuring that
S
munity nestled against the
to be congratulated for their
the people could once more uphold
mountains just east of
tremendous effort.
their own community standards
Pasadena, California. It is a plea-
THE LESSON FOR ALL COM-
sant place. But it shares a problem
MUNITIES IS CLEAR:
against the attacks of the nation-
wide pornography syndicates.
common to many other com-
Prohibitions against X-rated or
munities these days - how to
R-rated showings are not enough.
This was no small victory. They
regulate cable television.
The movie ratings are made by a
had a lot to lose and we con-
When the cable company signed its
handful of people over whom none
gratulate Fort Wayne on a suc-
cessful "day in court".
franchise agreement, the city
of us has control. Nor are they
fathers inserted a prohibition
responsible to anyone that matters.
Citizens Press for
against X-rated materials. What the
And their tastes probably do not
city fathers did not anticipate was
reflect the tastes of most com-
Cable Porn Law
how easily the pornographers can
munities throughout this nation.
get around such a provision. They
THE ONLY DEFENSE IS AN EX-
oncerned about por-
do it by getting the ratings changed
PLICIT PROHIBITION AGAINST
C
nographic movies and sex
from "X" to "R" even though
"INDECENT" MATERIAL (explicit
shows on cable TV, citizens
the content of the movie remains
sex or nudity which is patently of-
of Escondido, California, testified
substantially the same. Or they do
fensive to community standards)
at a hearing held by the City Coun-
it by showing unrated movies,
-language used by the United
cil in late July. Led by the
which most pornographic movies
States Supreme Court in FCC v.
Reverend Billy Falling, a petition
are. So they simply abide by the
Pacifica, (see July-August NDR).
signed by forty-nine religious
letter of the law, even when, as in
Contact CDL for a model ordinance
leaders in that city in north San
the case of Sierra Madre, the fran-
which we believe will withstand
Diego County was presented to the
chisee Group W (Westinghouse)
Constitutional muster.
council. CDL's Ernie Schulzke
says it would like to abide by the
presented legal arguments in sup-
intent of the agreement.
port of the proposed ordinance.
The problem is that Group W gets
Unfortunately the mayor and coun-
much of, its material from sources
cil had their minds made up not to
which it claims it does not control.
approve the ordinance even before
We would hope, however, that
the hearing. The tragedy is that the
companies such as Westinghouse
U.S. Supreme Court has given the
would begin to influence the in-
communities of this nation both
dustry suppliers in a favorable
fashion.
THE NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER
CDL Chapter
tional CDL can more efficiently
serve local citizen groups, what a
Conference Manual
Update
group may consider to be the most
Available
effective anti-porn tactics, and
S you well know, the fight
whether or not a group is incor-
A
against pornography is a
porated in their state.
C
opies of the Conference
Manual are available from
never-ending battle.
This questionnaire was sent out to
CDL at a cost of $25.00 per
Soldiers in the field come and go.
anyone who has formerly been
copy. Please send check or money
We at the National CDL head-
associated with an anti-
order to:
quarters are in the process of up-
pornography group or CDL
Citizens for Decency through Law
dating our files, so that we may of-
chapter. If there is any group who
2331 W. Royal Palm Road,
fer better assistance and have more
has not received one of these ques-
Suite 105
effective communication with local
tionnaires, please send inquiries to:
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
citizen groups. It is imperative that
Citizens for Decency through Law
The manual was prepared for con-
our records contain accurate infor-
Attn: Chapter Co-ordinator
ference participants. In its prepara-
mation so that we can more
2331 W. Royal Palm Road
tion it was anticipated that
economically get the job com-
Suite #105
numerous persons who did not at-
pleted.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
tend the conference would want
Therefore, we have formulated a
It is our goal to establish an ac-
manuals. We believe that anyone
simple-to-answer questionnaire to
curate network chain of all anti-
who has an interest in the obsceni-
help us identify which groups are
pornography groups in each state,
ty battle will find the manual
currently active. Also included are
thereby providing more strength
materials helpful.
questions concerning how the Na-
and unity to local citizen groups.
NATIONAL DECENCY REPORTER
IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS CORRECT?
published at
CITIZENS FOR DECENCY THROUGH LAW, INC.
Please help CDL keep an accurate mailing file on you at all times.
2331 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Incorrect addreses and multiple mailings drain our funds un-
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
(602) 995-2600
necessarily. Please return this with your instructions. Thank you.
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc. is a non-
I'm getting duplicate mailings.
profit, inter-faith national organization working to
(Attach all addresses together with this form)
promote decency in the media and oppose the
dissemination of obscenity, within the framework of
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the law. It has affiliates in numerous states, and is
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qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions
under IRC 501 (c) (3).
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Attention: Computer Entry Dept.
Paid at
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To Every Friend of CDL:
Your NATIONAL DECENCY
REPORTER needs your support.
YES
Count me in. 1 want to see NDR go on fighting. Enclosed
As you can imagine, publishing
please find $10 for one year's subscription to The National Decency
the hardest-hitting, most reliable
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source of information on the
Name
obscenity issues in America to-
day takes money. And inflation
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good fight.
Arizona 85021.
AMERICAN
1922
GREEK ORThODOX ARChDIOCESE OF NORTh AND SOUTh AMERICA
€AAHNIKH OPOOAOEOC АРХЮПІСКОПН BOPEIX Ky NOTI8 AMEPIKHC
10 EAST 79th STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10021
TEL (212) 570-3500
CABLE: ARCHGREEK, NEW YORK
November 5, 1982
Mr. Bruce Taylor
4
Citizens for Decency
23-31 W. Royal Palm Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Dear Mr. Taylor:
There is, Ecclesiastes reminds us, a time to keep
silent and a time to speak. On NBC recently a television program debased
the Orthodox Church and in particular, the role of the Greek Orthodox
Priest when he was projected in a most vulgar and objectionable manner.
The plot depicts a couple who come to the Priest for counseling. The
husband has committed adultery, but both are willing to reconcile and
continue their life as husband and wife. What is repulsive and un-
acceptable is the fact that the role of the alleged Greek Orthodox Priest
suggests that before reconciliation takes place, the wife "gets even"
by herself committing adultery with a co-worker as did her husband.
The Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Arch-
diocese of North and South America and Canada has written to NBC in
New York in order to protest this abuse inflicted upon a minority Christian
body whose rich spiritual heritage spans 2,000 years. We take issue with
those who would say to the general public that the Orthodox Church takes
lightly such vulgarity.
I am appealing to you as a person who I know is
interested in stopping such indecencies. Programs like these do nothing
to enhance the dignity, reverence and venerability of religion in America.
It accomplishes the opposite; the mocking, the scorning, the deriding and
the ridiculing of the faith of millions of Americans whatever their
denominational affiliation.
I am sending you a copy of the telegram that millions
of Orthodox sent to the chairman and the chief executive officer of NBC.
You might want to use this sample for a similar telegram. In any event,
thank you for taking the time to read this letter in consideration of
sending a telegram to NBC which must assume full responsibility for such
recklessness and lack of proper programming decor.
Sincerely, in His Name,
MBE:ac
Rev. fn. Dr. M.B: RECEIVED
Director
Department
Chure
Citizenstor Decency
Through Laus Inc.
Date 11/9/820 By and
Grant Tinker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
3000 West Alameda Avenue
Burbank, California 91523
Dear Mr. Tinker:
The episode of Taxi that aired Thursday, October 21, depicted an actor
portraying an Orthodox Christian Priest in a derogatory, sacrilegious,
false and misleading manner. The suggestion that any Priest, especially
an Orthodox Priest, would desecrate the Sacrament of Confession by
counseling a parishioner to commit adultery is blasphemous. This abomination
was reinforced on the episode broadcast Thursday, October 28, with
flashbacks of the previous week's epitome of bad taste. Reckless character
assassination of Orthodox Priests has no place on network television, even
on a situation comedy with its admittedly wide latitude in satirizing
society. As one of the five million Orthodox Christians in the United
States, I vigorously protest such religious bigotry. Repeated incidents
of this reprehensible nature can only provoke more drastic measures,
including the picketing of NBC Network- owned and operated stations
as well as affiliates.
FOR
DECENCY
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
2331 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602/995-2600
January 26, 1983
Founder
Charles H Keating, Jr.
Board of Trustees
Rev. Dr. Miltiades B. Efthimiou, Director
Richard M. Bertsch
Department Church & Society
Attorney at Law
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North
Cleveland, Ohio
and South America
Thomas J. Blee
10 East 79th Street
Attorney at Law
New York, NY 10021
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Robert J. Kielty
Dear Rev. Efthimiou:
Attorney at Law
Phoenix, Arizona
Donald E. Santarelli
Thank you for your letter of November 5, 1982, concerning the
Attorney at Law
NBC show Taxi. I am enclosing a copy of my letter to Grant Tinker
Washington, D.C.
of NBC and a copy of the response I received from Robert O'Neil.
Officers
Gary W. Hall, M.D.
It is obvious that we all have much to do to turn things
President
around. One of the possible solutions I see to the cable situation
Carol A. Clancy
may be for the Congress to adopt the indecency standard of the FCC
Vice President
as reflected in 18 U.S.C. 1464 and make it applicable to cable as
National Director
part of the economic deregulation contained in S. 2172 currently
Bruce A. Taylor
before the U.S. Senate. I think that the legitimate cable industry
Vice President
is using their unholy alliance with the pornographers as a way to
General Counsel
generate short term cash flow solutions. However, the opportunity
Mary Lou Miller, C.P.A.
Treasurer Controller
for long term and stable growth under a deregulation such as S. 2172
envisions is much more attractive financially for the cable industry
Terese M. LoPresti
Secretary
and I feel the legitimate cable owners would give up the
pornographers in exchange for the deregulation. Your thoughts on
Mail Manager
this issue would be appreciated and your support and influence with
William J. Melnikas
Congress would be important.
Best of luck in your continued work, and please remember us in
your prayers.
Very truly yours,
BruTylyn
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President-General Counsel
BAT:tml
Enclosures
cc: White House attendees
LAW-ACAWAL BE HECITIZENS FOR
Citizens for Decency through Law, Inc.
2331 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602/995-2600
December 21, 1982
Founder
Charles H Keating, Jr.
Mr. Grant Tinker
Board of Trustees
Chairman of the Board
Richard M. Bertsch
National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
Attorney at Law
Cleveland, Ohio
3000 West Alameda Avenue
Burbank, CA 91523
Thomas J. Blee
Attorney at Law
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Dear Mr. Tinker:
Robert J. Klelty
Attorney at Law
I would like to add our concern and objection to the type
Phoenix, Arizona
of programming represented by the October 21, 1982, episode of
Donald E. Santarelli
Taxi. Depicting a Greek Orthodox Christian priest as giving
Attorney at Law
Washington, D.C.
advice to commit adultery during the holy Sacrament of
Confession is not only blasphemous to members of that Christian
Officers
Churche but is also an affront to the basic respect between men
Gary W. Hail, M.D.
and women that we all are finding increasingly difficult to
President
maintain in today's world.
Carol A. Clancy
Vice President
National Director
Treating sex as a sport and a commodity, rather than an
expression of love and commitment, is one of the primary reasons
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President -
for the widespread occurrences of adultery, divorce, single
General Counsel
parent households, and abandoned children. Such depiction of a
Mary Lou Miller, C.P.A.
priest's advice may also mislead members of the public which do
Treasurer Controller
not belong to this particular church into believing that this
Terese M. LoPresti
church in fact condones such advice and the adultery that was
Secretary
recommended. If the same kind of misstatement were made about
an individual person, it would be libel and slander, and such
Mail Manager
portrayals are a similar injustice and dishonesty to this Church
William J. Melnikas
in particular and all religions in general.
Television has become a major force in American life, which
we all enjoy, however, as television becomes more crass,
misleading, dishonest, and just plain corny, you may find that
the attractiveness of the medium is economically damaged by the
repulsiveness of the message. You are in a position to
influence a new renaissance in American television. The
continued dominance of network television over cable may indeed
depend upon higher standards and quality. Please consider these
remarks and rest assured that most people would appreciate some
efforts to improve television broadcasting.
Very truly yours,
Burn Tayler
Bruce A. Taylor
Vice President-General Counsel
BAT/lar
NBC
National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
Thirty Rockefeller Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10020 212-664-3163
Robert O'Neil
Public Information Department
Manager
Communications Services
January 3, 1983
Mr. Bruce Taylor
Vice President-General Counsel
Citizens for Decency Through Law, Inc.
2331 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 105
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Dear Mr. Taylor:
Thank you for your comments about a recent two-part
episode of "Taxi" dealing with marital infidelity. We
regret your mistaken impression that an Orthodox
Christian priest was portrayed on these programs. It
is not so.
As regular viewers of "Taxi" know, the characters
"Latka," "Simka" and "Father Gorky" are immigrants from
a nonexistent foreign country, a place whose language,
geography, customs and beliefs have been totally fabri-
cated for comic purposes.
We assure you that neither the producers of "Taxi" nor
NBC intended to refer to any real religion. The dress
and behavior of "Father Gorky" were carefully devised
to ensure against any such identification.
We believe most viewers took the comedy in a harmless
spirit of fun, as intended. Still, we regret any mis-
understanding and thank you for permitting us to present
our views on this matter.
Sincerely,
Robal Robal O'Wil
Robert O'Neil
RECEIVED
Citizens For Secency
Through Law, Inc.
Date 1/11/83 _By ame