The Knesset Education Committee approved today the final readings of proposed legislation banning all forms of pornography on cable and satellite television channels. Nine MKs voted in favor of the bill, sponsored by MK Yigal Bibi (National Religious Party), while only six voted for Likud MK Michael Eitan\'s alternative bill. Eitan\'s proposal would have allowed pornographic broadcasts with restrictions, such as the use of a smart card or exclusive late-night hours availability.
Committee Chairman Zevulun Orlev (NRP) had criticism of those who objected to the outright ban: \"Instead of legislating punitive measures for commerce in women and sexual abuse, we must totally cleanse our society of corruptive pornography, which is the very basis for the growth of sexual harassment, pedophilia, and all other similar evils… Instead of striking out at the mosquitoes, we must dry out the swamp.\"
Committee Chairman Zevulun Orlev (NRP) had criticism of those who objected to the outright ban: \"Instead of legislating punitive measures for commerce in women and sexual abuse, we must totally cleanse our society of corruptive pornography, which is the very basis for the growth of sexual harassment, pedophilia, and all other similar evils… Instead of striking out at the mosquitoes, we must dry out the swamp.\"