August 31, 2008 | Sex & Society

Turkey pulls proposed anti-porn law

Turkey is a very interesting country. Even though it is currently being governed by a conservative Islamic party, the AKP, the country's constitution enforces a culture of strict secular freedom. The AKP was already taken to court for plotting to create an Islamic state and narrowly avoided -- by a single vote -- having their members banned from politics altogether.

This may explain a sudden withdrawal of a bill that would have, among other things, targeted pornography.

The party's deputy chairwoman, Edibe Sozen, wanted to force buyers of adult material to give their personal details to shopkeepers, who would in turn pass this information to the authorities. The same bill would have also introduced prayer in all state schools, something prohibited by the country's constitution.

Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, tried to distance himself and his party from the legislation. "It [the bill] is not the party's work, but it was perceived as if it belonged to the party," he told an AKP meeting. "Such works should be discussed within the party first. It is an ill-timed and fatal statement.

"The content is bad. She [Sozen] put the party in a difficult situation. We are going through sensitive times that need caution and ultimate care. This is valid for each one of us. We all need to refrain from any actions or statements that could create new tensions."

The Prime Minister would like to keep his purchase of 'Jugs' on the down low, thank you very much!