ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 2, 1996 TAG: 9605020047
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
The debate focused on the First Amendment. And the merits of publications ranging from Hustler to lingerie catalogs. And which lawmakers might like a peek.
Then the House National Security Committee voted Wednesday to ban the sale of adult magazines and videos on military bases.
Democratic critics said the proposal violates the First Amendment to the Constitution. They warned its loose wording could extend the ban to the Internet, cable television, sex manuals for married couples or the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Republican proponents insisted the measure is limited to the sale or rental of sexually explicit magazines and videos. They said service people can still buy the material off base, but it should not be sold along with other discounted goods in post exchanges.
The House National Security Committee approved the measure by voice vote as part of the 1997 defense budget, which still must be considered by the full House.
After Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., a sponsor, described contents of a Hustler magazine he bought at Bolling Air Force Base, Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, said: ``I see several volunteers to take a look at those materials.'' The hearing room audience laughed.
Abercrombie said the legislation fails to say how military officials would implement the ban.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB