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CLEANd <br /> � ROJ <br /> 2875 Snelling Ave. N. • St. Paul, MN 55113 • 612/633-1864 <br /> Robert P. Heinrich, Director <br /> March 14, 1988 <br /> i <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> The CLEAN UP Project announces that a tough state obscenity law cleared <br /> the legislature by an overwhelming' vote and was signed by the governor <br /> March 10, 1988. <br /> The law conforms the definition of obscenity to the constitionally acceptable <br /> version established in the 1973 Miller vs. California Supereme Court case. <br /> Other changes included a provision making obscene performances or <br /> participation in them illegal. Video tapes were added to the list of articles <br /> for which distribution is a crime if the material is obscene. <br /> The law also changes the penalty for violation from fines only to a gross <br /> misdemeanor for the first offense and calling for a prison sentance for no <br /> more than one year or a payment of a fine of - not more than $3000. <br /> Whoever violates the provisions of the law within 5 years of a previous <br /> conviction is guilty of a felony, and may be sentenced to imprisonment for <br /> not more than 2 years or to a payment of a fine of not more than $10,000 <br /> or both. <br /> The clarification of the penalty provision removes all doubt as to which <br /> jurisdiction is responsible for investigating and prosecuting the law. In the <br /> seven county metro area city police departments and prosecutors enforce the <br /> law. Outstate, the responsibility rests with county sheriffs and county <br /> attorneys. <br /> The law passed the Minnesota Senate by a vote of 56-1 and in the House of <br /> Representatives by 120-4. The law becomes effective 3une 1. 1988. <br /> A separate bill that would require opaque covers on sexually explicit <br /> materials that are displayed in view of minors has succesfully cleared the <br /> House of Representatives. House File 1710 (Senate File 1736) is expected to <br /> easily clear the Senate and will become law August 1, 1988. <br /> The CLEAN UP Project was organized in late 1986 as a clearinghouse for <br /> the elimination of pornography in Minnesota. Director Heinrich, former city <br /> manager for Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, speaks against pornography <br /> throughout the state and works with state legislators, local officials, <br /> anti-porn citizen groups and committed individuals to eliminate pornography. <br /> For more information call (612)633-1864. <br /> -30= <br /> Minnesota Clearinghouse to EliminatDe Pbmography <br />