Addressing the pressing challenge of online pornography, a senator emphasizes the urgent need for protective measures against graphic content that exposes children and teens to harmful material. Despite facing opposition and labeling during her efforts to pass Bill S-210, which aimed to implement age verification on adult sites, she highlights strong public support for such regulations. The senator expresses disappointment at the government’s decision to prorogue Parliament, undermining legislative efforts to safeguard vulnerable youth.
Addressing the Urgent Issue of Online Pornography
My journey into politics was fueled by a desire to enact meaningful change. During the pandemic, I became acutely aware of the overwhelming presence of online pornography and the lucrative platforms profiting from it. These sites offer millions of videos featuring women—often without consent and, alarmingly, sometimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors—all accessible for free and without any safeguards.
Protecting Vulnerable Youth from Harmful Content
One of the critical aspects of this societal challenge that I chose to confront was the exposure of children and teenagers to graphic content during the pandemic. Many young individuals were glued to their screens, inundated with images depicting often violent sexual acts, portraying women in submissive roles—disturbing portrayals for impressionable minds that are still learning about sexuality.
In my view, asking pornography users to take a moment to verify their age on secure platforms seemed like a minimal yet vital step to safeguard children. The freedom of expression for adult viewers should not come at the expense of protecting our most vulnerable population. As legislators, it is our duty to ensure their safety.
Unfortunately, my efforts to champion Bill S-210 over the past four years were met with numerous challenges. I faced derogatory labels such as “evangelist,” “prude,” and “censorship agent,” despite identifying as a feminist and progressive. The opposition came not only from libertarians outside Parliament, staunchly against any regulation of the online space, but also from within the legislative body. Nevertheless, the bill underwent several improvements during its journey through the Senate.
Upon reaching the House of Commons, I was disheartened to find that the minority government, led by the Liberals, had directed their members to oppose the bill without proposing any alternative solutions. This sudden shift was particularly disconcerting, as senior members of the Liberal party had previously assured me that my concerns were acknowledged and that action would be taken. So why the abrupt change?
While it’s challenging to pinpoint exact reasons, I have formulated a few theories:
- Some progressives view pornography as a symbol of sexual liberation, associating any regulatory effort with moral conservatism.
- There may have been a reluctance to offend the sex work lobby, whose livelihoods are intertwined with these adult sites.
- Concerns about the potential risks to minorities regarding age verification processes.
- Finally, the belief that it is solely the responsibility of parents to shield their children from harmful content. However, a Léger survey indicated that 77% of Canadians supported this bill, and many Western nations have already implemented similar measures.
As the prorogation approached, I had the support of three parties—the Bloc Québécois, the Conservatives, and the New Democrats—who backed the bill at the report stage before its third reading. It had the potential to pass, even with most Liberals opposing it.
Ultimately, the government chose to prorogue Parliament, marking a significant setback in our collective responsibility as legislators to protect our children.
Julie Miville-Dechêne
Independent Senator from Quebec