The UK government plans to criminalize pornography depicting strangulation and suffocation, citing concerns about its link to violent sexual encounters.
In a House of Commons statement, Dame Diana Johnson highlighted the increasing prevalence of such content and its potential to fuel harmful acts. The government intends to amend the Crime and Policing Bill in the House of Lords to achieve this.
This follows a February review which found depictions of strangulation to be widespread online and recommended a ban on violent and degrading pornography. While the End Violence Against Women Coalition welcomed the review’s recommendations, concerns were raised by adult content creator Madelaine Thomas regarding potential limitations on freedom of expression.
While Downing Street previously indicated it would address legal gaps, it initially stopped short of a full ban. Subsequently, Labour MP Jess Asato and former Conservative minister Dame Caroline Dinenage separately proposed amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill aiming for a ban.
Dame Caroline emphasized the widespread accessibility of online pornography, highlighting its influence on young people’s understanding of sex and the concerning prevalence of non-fatal strangulation depictions. Although her amendment was defeated, Dame Diana confirmed the government’s support for the underlying aim and will introduce its own amendment in the Lords.
Further debate also included a Labour amendment advocating for increased sentencing for hate crimes targeting sexuality, transgender identity, or disability. The government voiced its support for this and plans to introduce a corresponding amendment.
Other parliamentary matters included rival amendments on abortion, the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, Ofcom investigations into nine companies under the Online Safety Act, and Dame Caroline Dinenage’s concerns regarding HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood.