The Verkhovna Rada Committee Supported the Decriminalization of Pornography Between Adults
Recall that the “Judicial and Legal Newspaper” previously wrote that draft law No. 15294 “On Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine Regarding Strengthening Responsibility for the Production and Distribution of Child Pornography” simultaneously provides for strengthening the criminal-legal protection of children from sexual exploitation and sexual violence in accordance with the provisions of the Lanzarote Convention, as well as the decriminalization of certain actions with pornographic materials between adults.
The document proposes comprehensive changes to Articles 301–303 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and strengthens responsibility for crimes related to child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, and involving minors in prostitution.
The decision to recommend the Verkhovna Rada to adopt the draft law as a basis was unanimously supported by all members of the Committee on Freedom of Speech.
Up to 15 years imprisonment for certain crimes
Recall that the draft law proposes to increase sanctions for the production and distribution of child pornography, conducting sexual shows involving children, creating places of debauchery, and involving children in prostitution.
For certain particularly serious cases, in particular if the crime was committed by an organized group or persons responsible for the upbringing or supervision of the child, punishment of up to 15 years imprisonment is provided.
Decriminalization of content between adults
At the same time, the draft law changes the approach to the criminal-legal regulation of the circulation of pornographic materials between adults. In particular, it proposes to decriminalize the import, storage, transportation, production, mailing or other movement, as well as sale and distribution of works, images, and other pornographic items among adults.
The draft law No. 15294 supported by the committee effectively returns the issue of decriminalizing pornographic content between adults to the parliamentary agenda.
As noted by the “Judicial and Legal Newspaper”, on May 28 the Verkhovna Rada did not support draft law No. 12191 on the decriminalization of pornography. Only 207 deputies voted in favor of its adoption.
Thus, after an unsuccessful attempt to adopt a separate draft law on the decriminalization of pornography, the issue returns again to the Verkhovna Rada — this time as part of a package with significant strengthening of responsibility for child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, and other crimes against minors.
Recall that the main committee for reviewing the draft law is the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement Activities.
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