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Said Darrel Reid, president of the Canadian branch of Focus on the Family, "Who could have imagined, even a generation ago, that anyone would question who was more deserving of protection—child pornographers or innocent children?"

Last October, Focus presented the House of Commons a petition with 65,000 signatures demanding that legislators strike the artistic merit defense.

A federal standing committee may toughen the Criminal Code's child porn laws. Bill C-20 would introduce prison sentences of two to ten years for those convicted of "child exploitation offenses."

Elsie Wayne, a Christian and a Conservative Member of Parliament, told CT the proposed legislation still "leaves children vulnerable to sexual predators." Wayne appeared on the popular Christian television program 100 Huntley Street in January and initiated a letter-writing campaign.

She told CT that prosecutors should focus on the content of seized material rather than its intent. In January she appealed to the House of Commons to amend the bill. So far, the house has neither added amendments nor scheduled a vote.

Toronto police came to Ottawa earlier this year to show lawmakers some of the images they had uncovered in their investigation.

"I had to turn away from some of the pictures, they were so horrendous," Wayne said. "There is no question: The images were abusive, not artistic. I saw violent and abusive acts that destroy children's development and violate their rights."

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The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has posted its background paper, "Innocence Preserved," online.

The Toronto Police Department website has more information on the work of its Sex Crimes Unit.

Previous Christianity Today articles on porn include:

Tangled in the Worst of the Web | What Internet porn did to one pastor, his wife, his ministry, their life. (Feb. 23, 2001)

Resources for the Ensnared | Christ-centered help for those struggling with Internet pornography and sexual addiction. (Feb. 23, 2001)

We've Got Porn | Online smut is taking its toll on Christians. What is the church doing about it? (July 5, 2000)

Internet Pornography Use Common in many Libraries, Report Says | Librarian-researcher claims American Library Association thwarted study. (March 20 , 2000)

Christian Singer Shares Struggles with Pornography | Secret sin of Clay Crosse's youth reappears in midst of ministry (Feb. 7, 2000)

Amazon.com Pulls Book Targeted as 'Kiddie Porn' | But critics say other pedophilia books are still offered. (Jan. 24 , 2000)

Smut Magazine Publishers Convert | (April 26, 1999)

Curbing Smut Legally | Tough ordinances shut down porn outlets. (Feb. 8, 1999)

Christian Leaders Target Cyberporn | (Jan. 6, 1997

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September 2003, Vol. 47, No. 9