Has anyone heard anything about the case against Christopher Handley? I mean I know the circumstances about it and everything but the trial was supposed to start in December, on the second I believe, and it's been a month now.
Is he guilty, innocent, is the trial still happening?
I just made my contribution - I forgot in November and December - and was wondering if anyone heard anything.
I got to say this ruling terrifies the shit out of me. I'm starting to think that obscenity laws should be completely disregarding and tossed out for violations of free speech.
A couple of major names in the US Manga industry are speaking out against this.
Manga, Censorship and Obscenity
by Jason Thompson and
Don't Let it Happen: Donate to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Today
by Carl Horn.
Also, does anyone know about the pressure against Japan for it not having any laws against 'virtual' child porn. Basically comic drawing and anime of lolicon and shotacon. Right now they deferred the G8 by saying they will be doing a three year case study into loli and shota and the connection to child porn.
Look at this
Editor’s Desk: doujinshi, obscenity, and Japan’s imperiled freedom of speech.
This terrifies me as well.
I'm starting to think we - comic, manga, anime, game and etc fans - are going to have to buys us an island nation and make our own damn laws.
I'm tired, so very damn tired, of having people take away my RIGHTS just because I belong to a minority. It's not hurting anyone. Why should it matter what I like to read and watch?
Also has anyone been hearing about a similar case in Australia where the guy was actually convicted? And that Canada is confiscating "obscene" and erotic materials at the border?
P.S.
this is Neil Gaiman's piece on the defense of the indefensible. It's absolutely brilliant and I'm thinking of getting some of those previously banned books.
