3 Republican Candidates Pledge Federal Obscenity Enforcement

WASHINGTON — Leading Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich have each pledged to enforce federal obscenity laws against major commercial distributors of hardcore adult pornography.

The pledges, compiled and published by Morality in Media, are part of the organization's "The War on Illegal Pornography" mission, which invites Internet users to message the front runners antiporn sentiments.

None of the other Republican candidates nor President Obama has responded to efforts initiated by MIM to learn their views, the organization said.

MIM said that the three Republican presidential candidates have promised the following if elected:

• Former Sen. Rick Santorum, in a written statement, said, "Federal obscenity laws should be vigorously enforced. If elected president, I will appoint an attorney general who will do so."
• Former Gov. Mitt Romney, in a written statement, said, "[I]t is imperative that we cultivate the promotion of fundamental family values. This can be accomplished with increased parental involvement and enhanced supervision of our children. It includes strict enforcement of our nation's obscenity laws, as well as the promotion of parental software controls that guard our children from Internet pornography."
• Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, in a face-to-face meeting with MIM's executive director, said he will enforce existing laws that make distribution of hardcore adult pornography illegal, he responded, "Yes, I will appoint an attorney general who will enforce these laws."