Source: FreeSpeechRevolution.com
By: Aly Sinclair
Aly Sinclair’s Column on Paul Cambria’s ”Cambria List” courtesy of Aly and FreeSpeechRevolution.com:
I recently became reacquainted with the Cambria list when searching for a new website hosting provider. I was told my site, one which is TS based, would be problematic for them to host. This unnamed company stated, that the Cambria list specifically warned against having anything to do with TS Porn, either hosting, filming, producing or distributing. This Cambria list for them made TS porn non existent.
The list harms many other avenues of expression, distinct sexual acts and even coldly denounces specific race and gender variations. It supports years old social mores and stereotypes. And, Cambria’s list works to further alienate those who work in porn from ever changing their position. But, there could be another interpretation.
Paul Cambria is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. Paul Cambria has argued on behalf of numerous high profile clients, like Larry Flynt and Marilyn Manson, on First Amendment issues. During these cases, Cambria became familiar with cases federal and local prosecutors chose to target. As a way to help avoid problems for those who work in porn, Cambria put together a list of acts, people or situations that should not be depicted on box covers or attempted in movies to avoid prosecution.
From the year 2000, the Cambria list is a product born from fear of overzealous prosecution under newly elected George W. Bush and his policies. Wether inadvertently or not, Paul Cambria assembled a list that is racist, targets sexual orientation anti-competitive, which falls under anti-trust issues. To give Cambria the benefit of the doubt, one could argue, Mr. Cambria chose to compile a list of all the most intrusive laws hindering porn in an effort to highlight how outdated they are and how they should be repealed.
One of the more egregious acts in his list to not film, Mr. Cambria states there should be ” no black men – white women themes” in porn. That is one of the most racist statements I have heard in recent memory. How can one recommend such a practice unless it is in an effort to get such local laws repealed?
I myself, according to Mr. Cambria should not be allowed to be filmed in porn. I know I am fairly taboo to begin with, but this is absurd. According to Cambria’s list, I should hide who I am and live a life locked away from the rest of society in a hermitage so as to not become an issue. I make light, but he implicitly states this by saying, ”no Transsexuals” should be filmed in porn. How can a genetic male or female have the right to pursue a career in porn, but Trans women and men are not? That is an anti-trust issue to the core. We all have a right to earn an income in a field if we are accepted, able and capable. If one is not hired, that’s just business. But, to be denied an opportunity is not just.
One of the more amazing statements on Cambria’s list denounces gay porn, specifically, ”no male/male penetration” Gay Porn is a billion dollar industry in the U.S. With those numbers there are more than a few people out there who think it just fine and buy the product. There are many actors who think it just fine to get paid for these scenes as well. Contracts are in place to protect all parties involved and have their agreement to fulfill certain scenes. Yet male/male gay videos and producers must be careful where they are film for fear of archaic laws. What becomes even more galling is that these same companies pay taxes on their income without any protection for their effort.
No urination ”except in a natural setting, e.g., in a field or natural setting” is a warning on Paul Cambria’s list. On May 17th 2007, Paul F. Little, otherwise known as Max Hardcore, was indicted by the Middle District of Florida on obscenity charges stemming from the use of urine in sex acts, fisting, vomiting and acts of violence towards women. Obscenity is a broad term. And violence towards women is really stretching the truth of the matter.
Porn as large as Max Hardcore has no need to kidnap unwilling women and have their way with them on video. Paul Little ran a reputable company that paid all their employees a more than fair wage, had agreements signed on scenes to be delivered and paid taxes on their income. All in all, their effort puts most ”reputable” businesses in the U.S. To shame. At 6:15 June 6, 2008 a court of his peers convicted Paul F. Little on 20 counts of obscenity charges. Also Little was held complicit in the aiding and abetting of his videos dissemination through previews on his website and by having Jaded act as an online retailer.
By shining light on the examples he has, Cambria may show how awful these local and federal laws regulating porn really are. They run counter to every American belief of freedom. Those who produce, star and distribute such content all do so in good faith by paying taxes. It’s time these same people receive something besides social mores turned into legal troubles for their effort. I hope that is Cambria’s intention.
Let us hope Mr. Paul Cambria is taking this time to go though his list of states that have these outdated, racist, sexist and fear mongering laws and he is making solid cases for their repeal. If Mr. cambria is so compassionate to provide us with his list, I hope he would be even more aggressive in making sure these individual acts no longer give those who work in porn any more worry.
Aly Sinclair writes a monthly column for FreeSpeechRevolution.com
FreeSpeechRevolution.com was founded by Mike Dickinson. If you want to be involved, offer ideas, or exercise your right to free speech and tell him you hate his ideas please email him at Mike@FreeSpeechRevolution.com.
