Nadler Bill Cracks Down on Child Pornographers

Stop Child Pornographers and Predators Act allows prosecutors to seek life sentences for sexual predators

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler today introduced legislation to crack down on child pornographers and repeat sex offenders.  The Stop Child Pornographers and Predators Act would increase penalties on child pornographers and would ensure that a provision in current law that appears to be unconstitutional does not threaten critical protections for children.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that a Congressional ban on virtual child pornography is unconstitutional.  That ruling threatens the parent legislation, Child Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act of 2002, which offers broader protections for children and families.  The Nadler bill, The Stop Child Pornographers and Predators Act, excludes the constitutionally problematic language, and would also increase the penalty for repeat offenders to up to life imprisonment—adding up to tougher legislation that will withstand Supreme Court scrutiny.

“It’s imperative that we have rock-solid legislation in place to protect the real children who suffer abuse at the hands of pornographers,” Congressman Nadler said.  “Our current law is under threat because the Supreme Court has ruled similar legislation unconstitutional, and it would be irresponsible for us to wait around until the law gets thrown out.  This bill would ensure that tough laws stay on the books, and would up the punishment for offenders right away.”

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