Resolution in Support for Decency on the Internet and in the Media

Resolution on Decency on the Internet and adopted by the 126th Supreme Convention on Aug. 7, 2008.

WHEREAS, Easy access to pornography on the Internet and graphic sexual content in movies, music and on television is putting new pressure on family relationships and making it more difficult to raise children with a healthy understanding of sexuality; and

WHEREAS, Children, teenagers and adults are only a few mouse-clicks away from accidentally or intentionally viewing sexually explicit or gratuitously violent material on the Internet; and

 WHEREAS, Many well-meaning children, teenagers and adults lack the moral and social support necessary to resist the lure of such easy access to Internet pornography; and

WHEREAS, Sexual predators are known to use Internet chat rooms to prey upon young people and draw them into immoral and even physically dangerous situations; and

 WHEREAS, The pornography industry is connected to the criminal underworld and is a major factor leading to the sexual abuse of children and the crime of trafficking in persons;

WHEREAS, On April 16, 2008, during his apostolic journey to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI discussed Internet pornography and children, stating that children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships, and calling upon parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the media and entertainment industry, to each do their part to offer sound moral formation to children and adults alike;

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

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we encourage parents to foster a Christian atmosphere in their homes that allows them to openly discuss their concerns about the misuse of the Internet with their children; 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 public officials who enforce laws against child pornography and trafficking in persons; and

 FURTHER RESOLVED, That our members and councils support groups that fight pornography and graphic sexual content in the media, and that we pledge ourselves to use television, film, and the Internet to promote family values and a healthy understanding of human sexuality.