My personal problem with many of the laws of pornography is that they are essentially nothing more than a veneer. I don't think a ban on child pornography (or indeed any pornography) will stop it being produced. Nor will sexual offender registers or any of the other measures that have been instigated. This is because sexual desires are implicit in our psyche and are often difficult to ignore. If they are suppressed, most people will find an alternative output or continue to use the previously illegal one regardless of the consequences. I suppose a question that has to be asked here is: If any aspect of BDSM became illegal, would you continue to do it? Recent responses to the 'violent pornography' laws seems to suggest that the majority will.

Now, I am aware that 30 years ago homosexuality was considered a mental illness (and before that it was illegal) and I personally think that this was a ludicrous state of affairs and am glad that it has been repealed so that we can have the diversity of sexual preferences we have today. However, I also consider that paedophillia *is* a psychological illness and therefore needs to be treated as such. Prison and even social ostrachism does not work (I am sure re-offending rates will back me up in this), what is needed is counselling and treatment. In other words, it is not the photograph or necessarily the photographer (it depends on how and why the photograph has been taken) that is to blame here but the person who looks at it with certain thoughts in mind and it is that mind which needs to be treated.

As for the 'artistic' photos, I agree... they are clearly designed to cause a shock. Sometimes this is what art is - something that causes us to face our social demons. However, I feel that these have been done purely for the publicity in much the same way as much modern art does - aiming for the sensation rather than the talent.