News
Senate passes bill banning obscene movies in vehicles
Published: Mar 18, 2003 - 01:08 PM
Tennessee may become one of the first states in the nation to ban obscene movies in vehicles if a bill passed by the state Senate last night becomes law.
The bill adds movies to the list of ''patently obscene'' things ? including bumper stickers and window stickers ? that motorists cannot exhibit in or on vehicles.
Sponsor Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said the problem was brought to his attention by a Shelby County constituent who complained his child was able to view a pornographic movie scene being played in a nearby vehicle.
The legislation passed the Senate 31-0 with Sen. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, abstaining. There was no discussion.
The legislation would not ban people from watching obscene movies in their vehicles as long as they are not visible to nearby motorists, Norris said. He said he was unaware of any other state with similar legislation.
Cohen said he was uncertain whether the legislation is constitutional because the definition of patently offensive as it relates to movies is so vague.
The American Civil Liberties Union is opposed to the bill, he said.
The bill says violators could be fined between $2 and $50.
Norris said limousines and large vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, are being equipped more with televisions.
Norris said he will ask the House sponsor, Rep. Bubba Pleasant, R-Arlington, to begin moving the bill through the House committee system.
Sponsor Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said the problem was brought to his attention by a Shelby County constituent who complained his child was able to view a pornographic movie scene being played in a nearby vehicle.
The legislation passed the Senate 31-0 with Sen. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, abstaining. There was no discussion.
The legislation would not ban people from watching obscene movies in their vehicles as long as they are not visible to nearby motorists, Norris said. He said he was unaware of any other state with similar legislation.
Cohen said he was uncertain whether the legislation is constitutional because the definition of patently offensive as it relates to movies is so vague.
The American Civil Liberties Union is opposed to the bill, he said.
The bill says violators could be fined between $2 and $50.
Norris said limousines and large vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, are being equipped more with televisions.
Norris said he will ask the House sponsor, Rep. Bubba Pleasant, R-Arlington, to begin moving the bill through the House committee system.
