Resolution on Decency in the Media and on the Internet

Resolution on the Decency in the Media adopted by the 125th Supreme Convention on Aug. 9, 2007.

WHEREAS, pornography and sympathetic depictions of promiscuity in the entertainment media and on the Internet are leading to a coarsening of our cultural life; and

WHEREAS, the ready accessibility of pornography on the internet and the pervasive presence of objectionable sexual content and excessive violence in movies, the music industry, the video game industry and on television and radio is making it more difficult to raise children in a healthy atmosphere that protects their innocence; and

 WHEREAS, pornography, objectionable sexual content and excessive violence in the media offends the dignity and integrity of the person and has a destructive impact on marriages and on family life; and

 WHEREAS, pornography is frequently connected to the criminal underworld, and is often a contributing factor leading to the crime of trafficking in persons and the sexual abuse of children;    

 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Knights of Columbus condemns pornography, objectionable sexual content and excessive violence in the media and calls upon the entertainment industry, the video game industry and Internet providers to maintain high standards of decency that will protect children and promote healthy family life; and

 FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend and thank those in the entertainment and retail industries who produce family-friendly media products and pledge to patronize them in our choices as consumers; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend and thank those law enforcement officials who enforce laws against child pornography and trafficking in persons; and

 FURTHER RESOLVED, that our members and councils support groups that fight pornography, indecency and excessive violence that we pledge ourselves to use television, film, and the Internet to promote positive values.