Possession of violent porn will be a criminal offence

New laws will make possession, production, or distribution of extreme or violent pornography a criminal offence

The measure comes as part of a multifaceted Government response to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. Picture: iStock

Laws are to be drafted to make the possession, production, or distribution of extreme and violent pornography a criminal offence.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan is to seek Cabinet approval to create the additional offences, which will also include bestiality or necrophilia, as part of a multifaceted government response to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.

It comes after the High Court recently found that no offence is in place in this jurisdiction to address possession of extreme pornographic material.

The issue emerged on foot of two requests for extradition over offences relating to the possession of bestiality material. Mr O’Callaghan said: “There is growing recognition that violent and extreme pornography is now one of the most influential, accessible, and commercially powerful forces negatively shaping sexual development and behaviour.

This material is having a harmful impact, particularly on children and young people, and is distorting healthy sexual development and contributes to perpetuating misogynistic attitudes. 

It is expected that depictions of non-fatal strangulation or suffocation causing harm will be included in the drafted legislation, which is expected to be added to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill.