Women's views on the proposal

One of the most questionable aspects of the government's proposed ban is the idea that pornography is somehow inherently an act of aggression, inflicted by men on women. In fact, many women enjoy pornography, including "violent pornography", and are consensually involved in its making. So in effect, the government is suggesting that a sizeable proportion of women require protection from their own sexuality. This is no way for a democratic government to treat its adult citizens.

In deciding to proceed with its ban after undertaking a public consultation, the government overrode the responses of individuals, who were mostly against their proposals, in favour of the responses of organisations such as county police forces, who were mostly in favour. To counteract this, backlash has solicited opinion pieces from a range of individual women who oppose the government's policy, and/or enjoy "violent pornography" and kinky sex in their own lives.

Some magazines for women, such as Diva, have also published a different perspective.

Expert women also speak out

Academics Dr Meg Barker, Dr Clarissa Smith and Dr Petra Boynton have spoken out against illiberal government policies.

Dr Boynton, who has over 40 papers on sex and relationships, research methodology and related subjects, has given us a long Q&A.

Dr Barker told backlash that the planned legislation will promote sexual ignorance and "may actually increase the risk of physical damage" among the 30% of people admitting to a kinky component in their sex lives and fantasies.

Dr Smith points out that there is no one instance of pornography, no one use of pornography, no one meaning to pornography.

Some views

If you are a woman and would like to contribute an article to this page, go here for submission details.

Note to journalists: some of the writers featured in this section are available for interview. Please contact backlash if you are interested.

OPINION PIECES

Direct personal responses to the government's proposals and our sample questions.

Discussion Pieces

Longer articles discussing women's sexuality in relation to the proposed law

Consent by Eublepharismacularis
Masochism and Christian Spirituality by Emma
Women Don't Need More Sexual Guilt by Mary
Why I Think the Proposed New Law on Violent Porn is Bad for Women by Rosalee
Bisexuality, BDSM and the Myth of 'Violent' Pornography by Fck
New Labour Cracking the Whip Over Extreme Porn by Louisefeminista
Banning 'Extreme Pornography' will Cause Deaths by disability activist Clair Lewis
The CJB is the Best way to Create an Underground Market for Pornography by erotica author Anastasia
The Futility of Legislating Against Human Nature by BDSM lifestyler L

Blogs

These blogs are worth keeping an eye on.

Misc

Other material we have received, including interviews and real life accounts from women involved in 'violent pornography'"

A Woman's Right by professional comics artist Donna Barr
Censorship Protects Criminals by author Deborah Ryder
How I Became a Domme by Purplestarbitch
Interview with 'violent porn' actress Kathie
The International Union of Sex Workers statement in support of Backlash

Add to the collection

If you are a woman and would like to add your voice to our campaign, we are looking for short articles (100 to 600 words), answering the following questions -

How would you describe your sexuality?
What role has "violent pornography" played in your life?
What do you think of the UK government's proposal to ban "violent pornography"?

Please email articles to Penny. Submissions will be edited as little as possible to preserve writers' points of view, though we reserve the right not to use unsuitable material. It would be helpful if we can include your age, occupation and town/general area of residence, as they help to show that we represent the views of a wide variety of women, but this is not essential. Submissions from outside the UK are welcome, but please indicate your country of residence.