Utah wants to declare porn a 'public health crisis'

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

Despite the wealth of studies that suggest masturbation is healthy for you, the state of Utah is considering whether to pass legislation curbing people’s ability to watch pornography for health reasons.

Senator Todd Weiler filed the resolution, SCR. 9 Concurrent Resolution, on Friday declaring that pornography is creating a “public health crisis”.

According to numerous reports, Utah is one of the states with the highest rates of pornography use in the US.

The resolution claims that pornography is leading to damaging addiction, the hypersexualisation of teenagers, prostitution and other problems.

The resolution states: “Whereas pornography use is linked to lessening desire in young men to marry, dissatisfaction in marriage, and infidelity.”

“Legislature and the Governor [must] recognize the need for education, prevention, research, and policy change at the community and societal level in order to address the pornography epidemic that is harming the people of our state and nation.”

Among 18 to 30-year-olds, 79 per cent of American men and 76 per cent of women watch internet porn at least once per month, according to statistics compiled by Covenant Eyes, a site that filters pornography sites.

Psychology Today described the legislative action as "based on hyperbole and morality, ignoring much of what is known about pornography and its effects". It continued: "Further, the Senator’s resolution relies on pseudoscience in a manner which has no place in governmental action."

Senator Weiler also forwarded SB 227 Exposure of Children to Pornography, which means that a district court should consider whether the parent has intentionally exposed the child to pornography, when determining child custody in a separation or divorce.