Sexual freedom of expression is evidently a freedom too far.

Section 63 of the CJIA 2008, the so called extreme images law, will not be repealed. This despite it being in the top ten of Civil Liberties laws voted for repeal in the online consultation exercise in 2010, and opposed by Liberals in Parliament when originally enacted.

Backlash research, to be made public shortly, will show that s63 offences are several hundred times higher than projected by the then government when the law, based merely on a hunch and moralistic shudder, was whipped through Parliament.

Alexandra Dymock of Backlash, (1) the sexual civil liberties organisation fighting a growing number of legal cases for incorrect prosecutions, said “Most lawyers don’t understand this law and advise their clients to plead guilty.”

“Already there have been too many miscarriages of justice(2,3,4) and ruined lives(5) that result from this ill-conceived, insufficiently researched, ineptly written and incompetently prosecuted (6) law.”

“This law is a waste of valuable legal aid and police resources. It should be repealed. We will continue to lobby for repeal during the passage of this Bill”.

Ends

Notes for editors

(1) Backlash  http://www.backlash-uk.org.uk/ is an umbrella organisation providing legal, academic and campaigning resources defending freedom of sexual expression.

(2) www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6918001/Man-cleared-of-porn-charge-after-tiger-sex-image-found-to-be-joke.html

(3) www.backlash-uk.org.uk/wp/?page_id=856

(4) www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/06/tiger_freed/

(5) www.backlash-uk.org.uk/wp/?page_id=866

(6) www.backlash-uk.org.uk/wp/?page_id=860

For further information, or for interview, please contact:

Myles Jackman on myles ampersand backlash-uk.org.uk

Alexandra Dymock on alex ampersand backlash-uk.org.uk