Vancouver’s Archbishop Raymond Roussin said he was considering canceling contracts the Church has with Telus because the carrier’s decision makes pornography more accessible to the general public.
“Given the increasing awareness about the problem of sexual addiction to pornography through Internet access, and the abuse that this perpetuates on vulnerable persons, Telus' decision is disappointing and disturbing,” Roussin said.
Telus spokesman Jim Johannsson pointed out that the carrier’s plan to profit from adult content on its network was a legally protected business decision.
“We have the utmost respect for Roussin's perspective, but the reality is that adult content has been available on cellphones equipped with web browsers for the past several years with no controls of any kind,” Johannsson said. “We feel that the responsible thing to do is put in place age verification controls and to ensure that the content complies with all provincial standards and regulations and is legal for download in Canada.”
According to the B.C. Catholic, a publication that covers Church affairs throughout the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Roussin will take up the issue with Catholic leaders throughout the region.
Johannsson said Telus has received 135 complaints about its decision to offer adult content, adding that he expects that number to grow.
Meritas Mutual Funds, a socially responsible investment fund, also criticized Telus.
“The search of a minimal increase in revenue through questionable means doesn't seem like the right decision,” Meritas CEO Gary Hawton said. “It makes me wonder if Telus understands the value of their reputation and their brand in the eyes of their investors.”