The "Protecting Children From Indecent Programming Act" has been introduced into the House of Representatives, the latest legislation aimed at fighting indecency. The bill would require the FCC to take action against a broadcaster for any single offending word or image.
The act is co-sponsored by Reps. Chip Pickering (R-MS), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Joseph Pitts (R-PA). A similar bill with the same name was introduced to the Senate by Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-WV) back in July.
"As the father of five sons, I have a vested interest in what broadcasters present over the public airwaves. We do not want our children to grow up with the mindset that certain behavior and language is ok," Pickering said in a statement. "I speak for our families in Mississippi, as well as across the country - we deserve a peace of mind when watching television with our family and expect a level of decency in our programming."
"There is no reason to allow broadcast networks a free pass as long as ‘not too much’ profanity makes it on the airwaves. We passed legislation to keep profanity from the airwaves because parents do not want their children to see any profane images or hear any indecent language. Families should have a reasonable expectation to believe television broadcast over public airwaves will not contain indecent material, not even once," added Pitts.
"Families have had it with inappropriate scenes and language that shock and confuse their children. This legislation gives them the tools they need to help maintain the home environment families want and deserve," said Matheson. |