HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 1806,._ ,_
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A Resolution ~~o~U~o~ ~~._~
CONCERNING ACCESS BY YOUNG
PERSONS TO UNSUITABLE MOTION
PICTURES AND VIDEOTAPES
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WHEREAS, there exists a need for improved self-regulation by
motion picture theater owners and video retailers to
restrict access by children to unsuitable films and
videotapes; and
WHEREAS, various voluntary rating systems have been developed in
order to provide guidance to parents, motion picture
theater owners and video dealers in order to assist them
in this regard; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) and the
Video Software Dealers Association of America (VSDA) have
endorsed the observance of the rating system of the
Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) by their
members; and
WHEREAS, many theater owners and video dealers have established
membership requirements or other procedures to prevent
young persons from gaining access to motion pictures and
videotapes rated "R" and "NC-17" according to the MPAA
guidelines; and
WHEREAS, VSDA has adopted a pledge to parents, which is another
positive example of industry self-regulation; and
WHEREAS, further voluntary efforts by theater owners and video
dealers need to be made to strengthen these procedures
and to insure they are complied with by their employees
and staff;
WHEREAS, in developing these self-regulatory procedures, it will
be important for theater owners and video dealers to con-
sult with concerned citizen groups; and
WHEREAS, parental involvement and support is the cornerstone of
any rating system; and
WHEREAS, one appropriate governmental role in addressing this
issue is through enforcement of the existing criminal
statutes prohibiting the exhibition of harmful materials
to minors; and
WHEREAS, the strictly voluntary rating system and the existing
criminal statutes, and the lack of enforcement thereof,
CITY OP ~08T SORTS
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have proven to be ineffective in many cases in that
children are frequently able to easily gain access to
inappropriate materials;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
1. That motion picture theater owners and video retailers are
urged to adopt and strengthen membership requirements and
other procedures to prevent young persons from gaining access
to motion pictures and videotapes which are not suitable for
young persons, including those motion pictures and videotapes
rated "R" or "NC-17" under the MPAA guidelines.
2. That motion picture theater owners and video retailers are
urged to meet with representatives of concerned groups repre-
senting the broad spectrum of views within our community on
this issue to discuss possible ways to restrict and to enforce
restrictions on the access of children to inappropriate mater-
ials.
3. That the City Attorney is directed to meet with the attorney
for the citizens group which presented a proposed Motion
Picture and Videotape Classification Ordinance to the City
Council and determine whether the proposed ordinance can be
revised to meet legal objections raised by the City Attorney.
4. That the meetings provided for in Paragraphs 2 and 3 hereof
shall be held as soon as possible and the City Council shall
be given a report concerning the results of such meetings
within six months from the date hereof.
5. That parents are urged to actively monitor and guide their
children's moviegoing and videowatching and to exercise their
parental responsibility to determine whether a particular
motion picture and videotape is suitable for viewing by their
children, utilizing the wide variety of information available
regarding the content of movies, including the MPAA rating
system, other rating systems, movie guides produced by a
number of groups, and movie reviews contained in newspapers
and magazines.
6. That current state laws prohibiting the exhibition of harmful
materials to minors be vigorously enforced by the appropriate
officials, including the City's Police Department and the
District Attorney's office.
ADOPTED this day of February, 1992. A~pROV~D ~r
ASS ~MENDET~
CITY OF FORT SORTS
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