[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GRAPHIC POSTCARD ACT OF 1996

                                 ______


                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge 
support for legislation that I have introduced, the Graphic Postcard 
Act of 1996. My bill, formulated after postcards showing a dismembered 
fetus were sent unsolicited to a number of towns in Connecticut, 
requires that material depicting violent or sexually explicit acts sent 
through the U.S. Postal Service be enclosed in an envelope emblazoned 
with a large print warning.
  It is not unusual for parents to allow small children to open the 
mailbox and examine the contents. Bills, letters, and most 
advertisements pose no threat to young children. Sexually explicit 
material is already required to be covered when sent through the mail.
  The right to free speech is one we all cherish. This legislation will 
not interfere with free speech; it does not prohibit graphic materials 
to be mailed, but instead places a simple requirement on their mailing 
in order to protect children. Like it or not, those responsible for 
these postcards have every legal right to use the U.S. mail to express 
their viewpoints. However, I believe that parents have an equal right 
to protect their children from graphic presentations of frightening or 
violent actions. Requiring an envelope and warning does not infringe on 
the sender's freedom of speech, it simply guarantees protection for our 
Nation's children.
  This is rational action to stop potentially dangerous behavior. 
Hundreds of my constituents have called or written to let me know they 
were outraged by these postcards. The level of violence in our society 
has reached an unprecedented level and is eroding the values that have 
made us a strong society. We have a special obligation to protect young 
hands and eyes from unsuitable material, and this is step one.
  I therefore urge my colleagues to join me in support of the Graphic 
Postcard Act of 1996.

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