Queensland city pledges to go 'porn-free'
A Queensland city is pledging to go “porn-free” as it continues to build on its reputation as a family-friendly area to live.
More than 200 civic leaders, workers and residents joined Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio at Monday’s pledge, where they heard from those in the city affected by pornography.
"I dare say there will be some negative comments about it," Mr Antonio told the ABC.
"But we must begin a journey with one step. I think what we've focused on today is the real value of proper relationships. Pornography has no place in that."
Mr Antonio said despite the city having a strip club, a brothel and several adult shops, the campaign to ban pornography was not targeted at those businesses.
"We're not talking about the people who are visiting the brothel or going along to the strip club," he said.
"We're talking about the people who are impacted by pornography, and its impact on relationships.”
Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts, threw his support behind the Mayor.
“I would just like to encourage everybody to consider the effect pornography has on our community,” he said.
“Toowoomba was voted the most family-friendly place in Queensland and clearly pornography has no part in a family friendly community.”
At Monday’s rally, cards were handed out asking members of the public to pledge ‘I will help create a city free from porn’.
According to Toowoomba’s City Women organisation, the porn pledge was started by a small group “of concerned Toowoomba citizens”.
“We desire to see a city free from porn. There is overwhelming research out now that reveals the damage that porn does to an individual, to relationships, families and society,” A City Free from Porn spokesperson said.
“This group aims to bring awareness to the damage that porn does, but also to offer resources and hope to those who are addicted.”
The event's organisers say they hope the message will spread across Australia.
