Ban on 240 publications lifted following MDA review

Ban on 240 publications lifted following MDA review

SINGAPORE - The Media Development Authority (MDA) has "de-gazetted" 240 publications following a routine review. They range from anti-colonial and communist to adult interest publications such as The Long March (banned in 1959), Fanny Hill (banned in 1966) and The World of Sex (banned in 1966).

Gazetted publications are not allowed to be sold, circulated, possessed, and imported here under the Undesirable Publications Act enacted in 1967.

Since 1994, no titles were added to the list of gazetted publications, an MDA spokesman said in a statement today (Nov 25).

The last de-gazetting was in 2004 when the 22-year ban on women's fashion magazine Cosmopolitan was lifted following recommendations made by the Censorship Review Committee to give adults here access to more mature content.

The latest review of gazetted publications, conducted routinely to "keep pace with societal norms", was done in consultation with the Publications Consultative Panel, which provides views and feedback to the MDA on matters pertaining to publications, and relevant government agencies.

17 publications still remain prohibited in Singapore. They are:

1. All publications by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
2. All publications by International Bible Students Association
3. Playboy
4. Swank
5. Girls of Penthouse
6. Gallery
7. Elite
8. Penthouse
9. Men Only
10. Genesis
11. Playgirl
12. Velvet
13. Mayfair
14. Fiesta
15. Hustler
16. Knave
17. Cheri

They remain banned as their contents, like the hardcore pornography found in Hustler and Penthouse magazines, "remain contrary to public interest", according to the MDA.

huizhen@sph.com.sg

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