Bill Text: MI HCR0014 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to recognize that pornography is a public health crisis that leads to a broad spectrum of societal harms.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-28 - Referred To Committee On Health Policy [HCR0014 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HCR0014-Introduced.html
house concurrent resolution no. 14
Reps. Calley and Frederick offered the following concurrent resolution:
Whereas, Pornography has a detrimental impact on society. It promotes and encourages sexually toxic expectations and behaviors affecting children, adolescents, and adults; and
Whereas, Pornography often depicts unrealistic,
inaccurate, and violent forms of sexual behavior. Pornography objectifies actors, and its use often
reinforces sexual scripts devoid of mutual relationships. In addition, pornography
normalizes sexual violence and abuse of women, men, and children and often
depicts rape and abuse as if they are harmless; and
Whereas, Many children are exposed to pornography. Studies from the mid 2000s show that rates of exposure to pornography as adolescents can reach up to 93% for boys and up to 63% for girls. One study that surveyed over 1,000 people between the ages of 15 and 29 found that 69% of men and 23% of women viewed pornography before the age of 13; and
Whereas, Early exposure to pornography harms children and can promote unhealthy sexual behaviors. Research indicates that early exposure of pornography can lead to low self-esteem and body image disorders and can increase dangerous sexual activity among children and adolescents; and
Whereas, Pornography also has negative implications for adults. Emerging evidence shows some pornography users suffer detrimental effects, including impacts on brain functioning, development of emotional and medical illnesses, difficulty forming and maintaining intimate relationships, and problematic or harmful sexual behaviors; and
Whereas, Consumption of pornography leads to a vicious cycle of supply and demand. Recent research indicates that pornography may be biologically addictive, which leads to an escalating consumption of pornographic materials depicting extreme degradation, risky behavior, and violence. As a result, studies show pornography increases the demand for sex trafficking, prostitution, child sexual abuse images, and child pornography; and
Whereas, Pornography can erode the family unit. Research shows that pornography use is linked to greater sexual and relationship dissatisfaction and a lessened desire for forming intimate and lasting real-life bonds. This can have a destabilizing effect on relationships and families; and
Whereas, The World Health Organization has recognized compulsive sexual behavior disorder as a diagnosable mental health condition. Clinical evidence suggests that approximately 80 percent of diagnosed cases involve problematic pornography use; and
Whereas, Overcoming pornography's harm is frequently beyond the capability of the afflicted individual to address without professional and community support; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we recognize that pornography is a public health crisis that leads to a broad spectrum of societal harms and requires education, prevention, research, and policy change at the community and societal level; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
