Because of his commitment to protect children from exploitation, Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) was an original co-sponsor of the "Child Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act of 2002." With Congressman Wamp's help, this legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.

On April 16, 2002 the United States Supreme Court ruled that the current definition of "child pornography" was unconstitutional and that "computer-simulated" pictures of children engaging in sexual situations were not illegal. This corrective legislation re-words the law to state that "computer simulated" child pornography is not protected under the law and it will hold the same repercussions as actual child pornography.

"I was shocked by this ruling. This legislation solidifies the ban on "virtual" child pornography and will close the loophole that allowed the Supreme Court to make that outrageous decision," said Wamp.

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), Chairman of the Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Judicial Committee sponsored the legislation and it has had tremendous support throughout the Committee process.

"Child pornography - virtual or otherwise - is detrimental to children," Congressman Smith said. "Without amending current law, we face a proliferation of child pornography."

Wamp added, "child pornography is a cancer in our society and it is wide spread. I was glad to see this legislation come to the House floor so quickly after the Supreme Court ruling. We must protect our children from exploitation at all costs."