Australian Gov. Warns Penthouse Over ‘Obscene’ Pics

SYDNEY — Penthouse, Australia’s top-selling adult magazine, may be required to submit all its future issues for approval by Australian government censors following a ruling by the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) that its latest issue “emphasized genitals.”

One of the photos in question is described as “a depiction of two breast naked females standing with their breasts pressed against one another,” according to documents obtained by News.com.au.

Penthouse maintains that the images determined to be too obscene by the OFLC are almost indistinguishable from pictures in previous issues of the magazine.

“Images in previous issues were nearly identical, but this is the first time it’s happened to us,” said Penthouse editor Ian Gerrard, who added that he was bewildered by the sudden scrutiny from the OFLC.

Gerrard said that decisions as to what can be depicted in the newsstand editions of Australian Penthouse, described as “weaker” than its American counterpart, are made in concert with regulators from the OFLC.

“We have to avoid ‘genital emphasis’ in our images, which we’re quite stringent about,” Gerrard said. “We look at images published in the past which were approved by the OFLC as a kind of template.”

Gerrard said that he suspects the real problem with the most recent issue may have nothing to do with the photos. The issue at question also contains excerpts from a controversial book written by euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke.

“[Nitschke’s book] delivers a scathing attack on Attorney General Phillip Ruddock,” Gerrard said.

Ruddock said that the excerpts had nothing to do with the OFLC’s ruling.

“I am advised that the content in question is not the extract from the Nitschke article,” Ruddock said. “In any event, this is a matter for the classification board, which is an independent statutory body.”

OFLC director Donald McDonald said the board is still considering the matter, and has not made a final decision as to demanding prior review of future issues of Penthouse.

According to the OFLC website, a “submittable publication” is any publication that is “likely to be restricted to adults because it contains depictions or descriptions likely to cause offense to a reasonable adult, is unsuitable for a minor to see or read, or is likely to be refused classification.”

Penthouse has until July 15 to appeal the OFLC decision. Gerrard said that if the appeal were to fail, prior review of Penthouse would result in at least $30,000 extra cost per edition.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Show More